Ariel Pearse Crowned Miss Tourism International

Aucklander Ariel Pearse has beaten 59 other contestants to win the Miss Tourism International 2016/17 crown, presented at the New Year’s Eve final in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

According to local publication, The Star, the 24-year-old blew the judges away with her poise, intellect and beauty.

“It has been an amazing three weeks in Malaysia with these extraordinary bunch of girls. I am extremely blessed to have been able to get to know them while exploring the country,” Pearse said.

Pearse dedicated her win to her mother whom she praised as a pillar of strength in her life.

The event was in line with the Tourism and Culture Ministry’s efforts to popularise Malaysia as a shopping paradise to tourists from around the world.

Pearse lives in Brisbane.

Original article by Shalini Ravindran, The Star, January 4, 2017.