26-year-old business entrepreneur, Joy Ebere Ekekwe from Igbera in Bende local government of Abia state, has emerged winner of the 11th season of Miss Tourism Nigeria.

Joy, a financial consultant and entrepreneur with two degrees In Mass Communication And Business Management beat over three hundred [300] hopefuls who registered for this year’s competition in a fierce competition that narrowed the pageant hopefuls from 300 to the FANTASTIC SIX.

The 2023 competition was beyond just beauty, elegant dresses, and catwalk, the girls were tested by their skills in other aspects in life including cooking skills, physical fitness, and their understanding of Nigeria’s diverse cultures.

At the RushingTap Studios Lekki where the grand finale took place, Joy triumphed over other very beautiful, self-assured Tourism Ambassadors to take the Coveted crown.

Miss Joy will represent Nigeria at the 2023 Miss World Tourism competition from July 20th – 30th in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Runners up, Somtochukwu Maduagwu will represent Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World in China while Miss Glam Nigeria also went to Sophia Adaeze who will represent Nigeria in India and Miss Loveth Oyetunji, Miss Tourism Africa Nigeria will represent Nigeria at Miss Tourism Africa pageant this September.

The night also saw some of Nigeria’s distinguished individuals and personalities walking away with the prestigious SPIRIT AWARDS AFRICA.

Some of the recipients include Korede Bello as Advocacy Person of the Year, Ric Hassani for Entertainer of the Year, MC Acapella who won Comedian of the Year, Tonye Harts as Event Producer of the Year, Sola Oyebade’s Mahogany Production as Event Company of the year, while Bella Naija received the Media Company of the year, Monty Suites, Topisto Tomato Mix and Garden City Mall received Luxury Hotel of the year, African Product of the year and New Tourism Destination honors respectively.