Quito is currently playing host to the Miss Universe 2004 competition. Over 80 of the world's most beautiful women have arrived to take part in the contest. The final will be televised around the world on June 1st.

We feel Quito is a fitting host - we believe the contest is taking place in the most beautiful city in the world.

Photo: Amelia Vega from the Dominican Republic, Miss Universe 2003. (by Fadil Berisha)

Quito is presently basking in many accolades. As well as hosting the Miss Universe competition, it continues to celebrate its 25 years as a Cultural World Heritage Site - the first city to be awarded the honour by UNESCO - and it's also celebrating its nomination as the Cultural Capital of the Americas.

The city is putting on various events over the coming weeks which visitors can enjoy. From free outdoor music shows to a horse-drawn procession through the colonial streets of the historic centre - the largest in the Americas.

Resources:
Send flowers to your favorite Miss Universe contestant. By FiftyFlowers.com

The Quito Metropolitan Tourism Corporation's webpage features useful information about what to do in Quito, a calendar of events and profiles of the contestants. There's also a competition page with the chance to win a cruise in the unique Galapagos Islands as well as tours in Quito and its surrounding regions. All visitors have to do is vote for their favourite candidate.

Tickets for the shows and events taking place in Quito and Ecuador can be purchased online here.

Contact for Press:
Cristina de Miranda
cgmiranda@quito-turismo.com
+593 2295 9632
+593 2295 9505

Thanks to Dominic Hamilton for providing this story.
Nomadom@aol.com
+593 97 626 407