Puerto Rico and the role of Miss Universe as a driver of international visibility under the leadership of Raúl Rocha Cantú

Interest in Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico has brought renewed attention to the role that international events play as tools for economic, tourism, and media projection, under the presidency of Raúl Rocha Cantú.

Miss Universe is organized as an international operation that requires weeks of preparation and coordination, involving official delegations, technical teams, audiovisual production, and media organizations. This structure generates sustained activity that directly impacts multiple sectors connected to the host destination’s economy.

Beyond the final gala, the pageant mobilizes resources, personnel, and services throughout the organizational process, which explains why different stakeholders are examining its potential impact in Puerto Rico.

Miss Universe and its capacity to generate international visibility
The media coverage associated with Miss Universe places the host country before global audiences for an extended period. The presence of representatives from more than one hundred countries positions the pageant as an event with significant international reach.

For destinations such as Puerto Rico, this exposure is analyzed as a factor that may contribute to international positioning, reinforcing visibility in tourism markets and within the global events circuit.

Raúl Rocha Cantú and the coordination of a global operation
As President of Miss Universe, Raúl Rocha Cantú leads a structure designed to coordinate operations across different countries and contexts. His role focuses on ensuring that each edition of the pageant is executed under clear organizational criteria, while maintaining coherence across host locations.

From the presidency, emphasis is placed on structured planning and effective coordination with local stakeholders to guarantee efficient execution of the event.

“The international scale of Miss Universe requires precise coordination and clear planning with each host location.”
 – Raúl Rocha Cantú.

Economic activity associated with the pageant

The organization of Miss Universe typically activates sectors such as hospitality, transportation, technical services, and audiovisual production. This activity extends over several weeks and benefits a broad network of local providers and professionals.

In previous host destinations, this dynamic has been observed as a temporary stimulus to the local economy, linked to demand for specialized services and the use of existing infrastructure.
Organizational experience and destination strengthening
Beyond immediate impact, participation in an event of this scale allows local stakeholders to gain experience in managing international operations. This learning process can translate into operational improvements and greater capacity to host future events.

The combination of international visibility and organizational experience enhances Puerto Rico’s appeal as a potential host for global events and productions.

Miss Universe and its international trajectory

With more than 75 years of history and a presence in 133 countries, Miss Universe maintains a consolidated international structure that requires ongoing leadership and strategic planning. Its trajectory explains why the pageant continues to be viewed as a relevant platform for destinations seeking international projection.

Ruth Forbes

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