It’s not an easy task organising an International Modelling Contest, and even more so when the contestants hail from no fewer than 35 different countries! But organiser Paul Chetcuti is definitely not faint hearted, and year after year he has managed to keep improving this contest and making it a much-awaited event in the modelling calendar.

As usual, this show was produced by Catwalk Productions International and achieved great success both in the high standard of the contestants as well as in the organisation.

The contestants, who were residing at the Ramla Bay Hotel, had a very interesting programme comprising of the right mix of cultural visits. They could also enjoy going to places such as Mediterraneo Marine Park, the Malta Experience, Limestone Heritage, Melita Gardens, Black Bull Pub, Club Emotions, Paceville, Bristow Potteries, Bar Native, the Great Siege show and a very exciting visit on board the luxury cruise liner MSC Opera.

Another unforgettable day was a visit to Comino on the Captain Morgan Yacht, Fernandez, during which they could also indulge in a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.

The final night was held in front of the Dragonara Casino, in a magical evening of beauty, colours, designer dresses, music and dance. It was a difficult task for the judging panel to choose the winners from such a bevy of beautiful girls from all over the globe. But finally, blonde Ukrainian beauty Inna Teslya was declared the winner, Jana Kuvaitseva from Estonia came second, and Lao Yu from China, third. The evening was compered by DJ Gianni with the participation of the Yada Dance Company, Kylie and Klinsmann Coleiro, Christabel Borg, Nadine Axisa, Riffs, Roger Tirazona with Trilogy, and soprano Rosabelle Pavia.

A fantastic hair show by David and Alex of Cut Coiffeur Royale and two original fashion shows by Malta’s own Fiona Marie Vella and Romanian designer Catalin Botezatu, continued to enhance the evening.

Swimwear was by Piccinino while evening wear was by Tango Boutique.

Throughout the time the models spent on our island, they had well-known photographers Kevin Casha and Franco Caruana to take care of all their photographic needs and various sessions where held around the picturesque locations that our island offers.

The main official sponsors of the World Bikini Model contest were Ramla Bay Resort, Dragonara Casino, Meli Car Rentals, Hamilton Travel MSC Crociere, Malta Tourism Authority, Paolo Bonnici Ltd; Lindemans, Virtu Ferries, Paramount Garage and Volkswagen.

Furthermore, for the first time this year, the girls where taken to Sicily to participate in the Miss European Tourism International, which was held in the fabulous surroundings of Villa Bellini Gardens.

The final night in Malta is to be transmitted on local television in September.