Launceston will host the Miss Teen Australia national finals next year.
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Miss Teen Australia founder and chief executive Gavin Dooley made the announcement on Tuesday.
Previously the event had predominately been held in capital cities across the country, but Tasmania and Victoria state manager Sue Rees had been actively promoting Launceston as a possible destination.
Ms Rees flew to Townsville to pitch the idea to the executive team of Miss Teen Australia, enticing them by highlighting Tasmania’s outstanding produce and idyllic scenery.
With the help of Best Western Launceston and Tourism Northern Tasmania, the event was secured for July 3 to 7 next year.
“At least 90 per cent of national finalists would not have experienced this region or a winter in Tasmania and this is a great opportunity to showcase to the rest of Australia in this industry what Tasmania and the host city Launceston have to offer,” Mr Dooley said.
About 150 people are expected to attend the event and Tourism Northern Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin said a number of people were expected to attend as audience members.
“Miss Teen is another win for the Cool Season Events Strategy and critical for Launceston’s accommodation sector,” he said.
“Accumulatively, this event along with others such as the National Karate Championships, and Hawthorn AFL games provide a much needed economic stimulus for the city and its hospitality sector.”
Having the event in Launceston was very exciting, Ms Rees said.
“We are really going to be showing the rest of Australia what we can do down here,” she said.
Seven Tasmanians took part in this year’s pageant, with five of the girls named in the top 10.
Chelsea Freestone was named runner up of Miss Teen Australia and Maddison Holder was the People’s Choice winner.
Ms Rees said although next year’s pageant would be a very different temperature compared to the one held in Townsville this year, everyone was looking forward to it.
“They are hoping to see snow in July because normally Miss Teen Australia has been up in the northern states,” she said.
Miss Teen Australia was created in 2004 as a stepping stone to similar events on an international scale such as Miss Universe and Miss World.
The pageant has two age categories, with juniors aged from 13 to 15 and seniors aged 16 to 19. The Launceston venue that will host Miss Teen Australia is expected to be announced soon.
