Pageants and Tourism: How Beauty and Brains Boost Local Economies

Pageants are more than just glamorous competitions—they are economic powerhouses that bring business, tourism, and excitement to their host cities. From small-town festivals to nationally televised events, pageants have a long history of drawing visitors, boosting local economies, and putting cities on the map.

The History of Miss America: A Tourism Success Story

One of the best examples of a pageant designed to promote tourism is the Miss America Competition. It all began in 1921 when Atlantic City, New Jersey, was looking for a way to extend the summer tourist season. Business leaders came up with the idea of a “bathing beauty revue” to attract visitors after Labor Day, and what started as a small event quickly grew into the prestigious Miss America Organization we know today.

For decades, Miss America was synonymous with Atlantic City, drawing thousands of spectators and pumping millions of dollars into the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and local attractions benefited from the influx of visitors who traveled to watch the competition unfold. Even as the event moved to different locations over the years, its roots in tourism have remained strong.

Pageants as Economic and Tourism Boosters

While Miss America is one of the most famous examples, pageants of all sizes contribute to tourism in significant ways:

1. Drawing Contestants and Their Families to Host Cities

Every pageant brings in contestants, families, coaches, and fans, many of whom travel from out of town to attend. This means hotel stays, restaurant visits, shopping trips, and other local spending, giving a major boost to the local economy.

2. Showcasing Local Attractions

Many state and local pageants host events at well-known landmarks or use promotional materials that highlight their region’s beauty. Contestants often take part in local activities, whether it’s a parade, community service, or photo shoots at iconic locations—helping to showcase the area to a wider audience.

3. Generating Media Coverage

Pageants attract news coverage, social media buzz, and livestream viewers, which increases visibility for the host city. This publicity can entice future visitors to come explore the area, long after the competition has ended.

4. Encouraging Return Visits

Contestants and their families often return to the host city for vacations, reunions, or future competitions, bringing more tourism dollars with them. A positive experience at a pageant can create lifelong visitors who return again and again.

5. Strengthening Local Businesses

Beyond hotels and restaurants, local businesses benefit from pageants, including boutiques, salons, florists, photographers, and more. Vendors who cater to contestants often see an uptick in business, both during the event and in the months leading up to it.

A Win-Win for Cities and Competitors

Pageants and tourism go hand in hand. While host cities benefit from the economic boost, contestants get a memorable experience competing in exciting locations. Some pageants, like Miss Universe, Miss USA, and state-level competitions, change locations each year, giving different cities the chance to shine. Others, like Miss America, have deep historical ties to their original host cities, becoming an integral part of their identity.

Whether it’s a local festival pageant or an international competition, pageants continue to be a driving force in tourism. They not only celebrate the achievements of young women but also help communities thrive.