(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychellois Isabel Lavigne won the Miss Hospitality title at the Miss Intercontinental 2016 in Sri Lanka.

Lavigne told SNA via Facebook on Monday, “I was so proud to make it to the top 15 and to push my small paradise to the top. Winning the title Miss Hospitality brought me so much joy especially because of my hard work and experience.”

The 24-year old Lavigne replaced Naomy King, who qualified for the international pageant after winning the Miss Intercontinental Seychelles. King renounced her participation due to school exams. 

Miss Intercontinental is an internationally recognised pageant which began in 1971 as a tourism event in the island of Aruba. Today it has become the showcase for the world´s most poised and stunning women competing for the crown worth $360,000.

Coming from Glacis, a northern district on Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, Lavigne was the first princess in the local competition for Miss Continental 2016 organised for the first time.

The director of Coral Models Seychelles Agency, Joelle Fabre, has described Lavigne as "a vibrant girl who has confidence in herself, with a very nice physique and a perfect posture.”

Lavigne said she will not forget the experience and Sri Lanka, the host country, where she had the opportunity to appreciate the culture, traditions and beautiful sites.

“I am very proud to represent Seychelles and my agency Coral Models. It was an unforgettable experience for me and to meet so many beautiful girls from the different countries,” she said.

The 45th edition of the Miss Intercontinental pageant took place on October 16 at the Stein Studio in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, with the participation of around 60 ladies from all continents.

The winner was Miss Puerto Rico Heilymar Rosario Velázquez.

Seychelles organised the 36th edition of the Miss Intercontinental Pageant in 2007. Seychellois Solana Domingue, made it to top 16 and won a prize for best evening wear.