Jos Showcases Africa’s Tourism Potential as Miss and Mister Tourism Africa Int. 2025 Crowned

The vibrant city of Jos in Plateau State recently played host to a spectacular celebration of African culture, creativity, and tourism opportunity, as it welcomed delegates and guests for the Miss and Mister Tourism Africa International 2025 World Finals. With contestants representing 23 African nations, the city transformed into a dynamic stage that placed African identity, innovation, and unity firmly in the global spotlight.

This prestigious event, held in partnership with the Government of Plateau State under the forward-thinking leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, reinforced Jos’s reputation as Nigeria’s “Tourism Heartbeat.” The city’s pleasant climate, scenic hills, and renowned hospitality provided an ideal setting for an international gathering that did more than crown pageant winners—it celebrated the continent’s spirit and future potential as a travel destination.

Throughout the week, Jos bustled with energy as pageant contestants shared their stories, talents, and advocacy for sustainable tourism. The finals were punctuated by captivating performances, cultural displays, and moving speeches, illustrating that Africa’s tourism ambassadors possess not only beauty but also intellect and a sense of purpose. This holistic approach to tourism promotion resonated with the hundreds in attendance and reinforced the message that Africa’s story is best told by its own people.

The event’s climax saw Reyna Amboorallee of Mauritius crowned as Miss Tourism Africa International 2025, impressing judges with her eloquence, poise, and passionate support for responsible tourism. Neolin Jacob of Botswana was named 1st Runner-Up, while Margaret Abbah of Nigeria took the 2nd Runner-Up position. On the men’s side, Ednilton Delgado Da Cruz Silva from Cape Verde claimed the Mister Tourism Africa International 2025 title, with Takunda Ryan Chitope of Zimbabwe and Evans Ezekiel of Nigeria finishing as 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.

Special recognition went to Jenna Andson Marie-Ange MEIYE DECASTEL (Gabon) and Zamzam Godana (Kenya), who were named Miss Tourism Africa International Ambassadors. Their new roles will see them championing Africa’s tourism narrative and fostering cross-border collaboration, ensuring that the continent’s story is shared far beyond its borders.

At the core of the pageant lies a powerful mission anchored on three pillars: Tourism, Talent, and Trade. This vision, articulated by event founder and president Ambassador Seth Santiago Roberts, is about much more than pageantry. It seeks to drive Africa’s development by merging cultural pride with economic opportunity, using tourism as a bridge to greater prosperity. “This platform was built to give Africa a voice—one that speaks through our youth, our culture, and our innovation,” said Ambassador Roberts. He emphasised that every contestant is a living example of Africa’s potential, and that by celebrating their stories, the continent is not just showcasing destinations, but also what it can become on the global stage.

The event also served as an appeal to African leaders and business stakeholders to unite in unlocking the continent’s immense tourism promise. “It’s time for a continental effort. If our governments and corporate partners join hands, Africa can rise as the world’s most preferred tourism destination. The beauty, the stories, the people—everything the world is seeking is already here,” urged Ambassador Roberts. His call echoes a growing sentiment across the African travel sector: that collaboration and investment are crucial to building a sustainable, vibrant tourism industry that benefits communities and economies alike.

For the residents of Plateau State, the pageant was more than a high-profile contest. It became a celebration of peace, resilience, and the unique identity that sets Jos apart as a destination. International guests experienced firsthand the region’s striking landscapes, cultural diversity, and genuine warmth, reinforcing Jos’s capacity to host world-class events and inspiring a renewed interest in the city as a hub for tourism and global gatherings.

The success of the 2025 world finals is set to reignite international interest in Jos as a top destination for both leisure and business events. The city’s ability to attract and host a pan-African event of this scale demonstrates Nigeria’s rising profile in the global tourism arena, and highlights how regional destinations can leverage culture and creativity to drive economic renewal.

As the event drew to a close, the message from Jos resonated across the continent: “Africa’s time is now.” The showcase of talent, advocacy, and unity at Miss and Mister Tourism Africa International 2025 was not only a competition, but also a movement—one that champions a confident, creative, and interconnected Africa ready to engage with the world on its own terms.

For African tourism professionals, the event stands as a powerful reminder of the sector’s immense potential. It challenges stakeholders to support platforms that elevate local voices, foster cross-border connections, and use tourism as a catalyst for sustainable growth. As Jos emerges from the spotlight, the legacy of the world finals will endure, inspiring fresh initiatives and partnerships that celebrate Africa’s people, beauty, and boundless capacity to inspire the global imagination.