India’s second consecutive hosting of the Miss World pageant will see the South Asian nation beefing up security, not only for the delegates but for the guests coming from different countries as well.

During a press conference held at the tourism headquarters of the state of Telangana in Hyderabad on Thursday, March 20, Indian officials laid out plans to strengthen safety measures throughout the duration of the competition.

The 72nd edition of the longest-running international pageant will be held in Telangana, India, from May 7 to 31, with about 120 delegates from different countries and territories expected to participate in the annual event.

“Telangana’s growth as a preferred international destination is deeply rooted in our progressive policies, world-class connectivity, and cultural vibrancy,” said Smita Sabharwal, Telangana’s principal secretary for tourism, culture, archeology, and youth affairs.

“The 72nd Miss World Festival will be a defining moment for our tourism narrative, opening doors for new opportunities in hospitality, arts, and economic collaborations,” she added.

Telangana will deploy a dedicated tourist police force, and implement enhanced city-wide surveillance to ensure the safety of guests and travelers who will fly to India for the Miss World pageant.

The Indian state hopes to boost tourism through its hosting of the international pageant, and showcase Telangana as an ideal destination to attact visitors not only to see Miss World, but to visit even after the competition has concluded.

Telangana officials are banking on the state’s transportation connectivity, with the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and an extensive network of roads and railways, to pull visitors in.

The 72nd Miss World Festival will shine the spotlight on Telangana’s traditional handlooms, art and cuisine, and show the global audience that the state as also a healthcare and medical tourism hub, being the “vaccine capital of the world.”

Telangana also hopes to position itself as an ecotourism destination with the Kawal Tiger Reserve, Amrabad Tiger Reserve and the Jodegghat Valley. The Ramoji Film City, meanwhile, will cement the state’s claim as an ideal location for film productions.

Miss World Organization CEO Julia Morley, who attended the press conference, said, “Miss World has always been more than a beauty pageant — it is a platform for global goodwill, culture and empowerment.”

Reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova, for her part, said Telangana embodies the pageant’s “beauty with a purpose” mantra. “I look forward to experiencing the warmth and hospitality of this incredible state and sharing its story with the world,” she said.

Krishnah Gravidez from Baguio City will represent the Philippines in the 72nd Miss World pageant, and hopes to become the second Filipino woman to bring home the crown, following Megan Young who won in 2013.