Est. 1991
Our History
35 years of uniting nations through beauty, fashion, and cultural exchange — the story of Model of the World Organisation.
1991
Year Founded
35
Years of Excellence
100+
Nations Represented
Thousands
Alumni Worldwide
The Story of MOTW
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its founding in London in 1991, Model of the World Organisation has grown from a bold idea into one of the world's most respected international pageant organisations. What began as a vision to unite nations through beauty and culture has blossomed into a global movement spanning over 100 countries.
Model Of The World — one of the organisation's flagship international pageants — has become a stage where cultures meet, friendships are forged, and ambassadors for tourism and positive change are crowned. This is our story.
The Founding Years
Model of the World Organisation was founded in London in 1991 with a bold vision: to create a global platform celebrating beauty, tourism, and cultural exchange. The organisation's early international events brought together contestants from across Europe and beyond, establishing MOTW as a serious force in international pageantry.
- Organisation founded in London, UK
- First international events held
- Contestants from 15+ countries in year one
- Registered as an official international organisation
Global Expansion
Through the late 1990s and into the new millennium, MOTW expanded its reach dramatically. National directors were appointed across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, bringing the total number of participating nations to over 50. Miss Tourism World was launched as the organisation's flagship international pageant, gaining global media coverage and becoming synonymous with cultural diplomacy through fashion.
- National directors appointed on 5 continents
- 50+ countries represented by 2000
- Miss Tourism World pageant launched
- Cultural tourism programme established
Two Decades of Excellence
The 2000s saw Model of the World Organisation cement its reputation as one of the world's most prestigious international pageant organisations. The introduction of the National Costume competition and the Beach Fashion showcase added new dimensions to the Miss Tourism World pageant, celebrating the rich diversity of participating nations in spectacular fashion.
- National Costume competition introduced
- Beach Fashion showcase launched
- 75+ countries participating by 2008
- 20th anniversary celebrated in grand style
A New Generation
The 2010s brought a new generation of contestants and a renewed focus on empowerment, sustainability, and social impact. Miss Tourism World contestants became ambassadors not just for tourism, but for positive change in their communities. The organisation grew to represent over 90 countries, with the grand finale attracting global audiences.
- Social impact programme introduced
- 90+ countries represented
- Digital media presence launched
- Empowerment and leadership focus added
Resilience & Reinvention
Navigating global challenges, Model of the World Organisation demonstrated remarkable resilience — adapting formats, embracing digital platforms, and emerging stronger than ever. The organisation continued to grow its community of national directors, contestants, and alumni, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating beauty and culture on the world stage.
- Digital and hybrid event formats introduced
- Alumni network formally established
- Sustainability charter adopted
- 100+ countries represented for the first time
35th Anniversary
As Model of the World Organisation approaches its landmark 35th anniversary, it looks ahead with excitement and pride. The 2026 Miss Tourism World Grand Finale promises to be the most spectacular in the organisation's history — a fitting tribute to 35 years of uniting nations through beauty, fashion, and cultural exchange.
- 35th anniversary grand celebration
- Record number of participating nations
- New host country announced
- Legacy programme for alumni launched
Winner Spotlight
Model of the World 2004
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Thailand · 2004
Pancake
Khemanit Jamikorn
Model of the World — China Final
Khemanit Jamikorn
Known as "Pancake" · Thailand
Thai model and actress Khemanit Jamikorn — beloved throughout Thailand by her nickname "Pancake" — claimed the Model of the World crown at the international pageant held in China in 2004. Her victory came in a landmark year: she had also won the prestigious Thai Supermodel Contest earlier that same year, making 2004 a historic double triumph.
Following her pageant success, Pancake transitioned into one of Thailand's most celebrated entertainment careers — establishing herself as a top model, recording artist, and leading television actress. Her journey from the Model of the World stage to Thai showbusiness royalty remains one of the organisation's proudest legacies.
Year
2004
Nation
Thailand
Final Venue
China
Also Won
Thai Supermodel 2004
The Crown Holders
MODEL OF THE World — Past Winners
2024
TBA
To Be Announced
2023
Grand Finale
International
2022
Grand Finale
International
2021
Grand Finale
International
2019
Grand Finale
International
2018
Grand Finale
International
2004
Khemanit Jamikorn
"Pancake"
Thailand
Full winner archive available on request. Contact us for historical records.
Looking Ahead
The Next Chapter Begins in 2026
Write Your Chapter
Be Part of the 35th Anniversary
The 2026 Model Of The World Grand Finale marks 35 extraordinary years of Model of the World Organisation. Join us as a contestant, national director, host country, or brand partner — and become part of this living history.