DAR ES SALAAM, March 11 (Xinhuanet) -- Henri van Schalkwk from South Africa stole the limelight on Saturday by winning the 2006 pageant of the Miss Tourism Model of the World in Dar es Salaam.

    Miss South Africa was rated better than 76 of her peers from 55countries who displayed their national costumes, swim wears and evening gowns.

    These contestants hailed from all but one continents in the world. Oceania did not participate in Saturday's pageant.

    Tanzanian First Lady Mama Kikwete conferred the crown from reigning Miss Tourism Model of the World Alina Ciorogariu of Romania to Henri van Schalkwk.

    The four runner-up positions went to Miss Angola Karina Silva (first), Miss Mongolia Gantogoo Bayarkhuu (second), Miss Poland Renata Nowak (third), and Miss Croatia Paula Tomic (fourth) respectively.

    The Mongolian model got two titles of a runner-up placing and abest national costume award.

    Martha Kamalata from Zambia was crowned Miss Tourism Model of Africa; Linda Hudson of Jamaica was crowned Miss Tourism Model of Americas; China's Mao Yuanyuan was crowned Miss Tourism Model of Asia; and the title of Miss Tourism Model of Europe went to Miss Spain Carla Puente.

    The contestants have toured some of Tanzania's national parks and game reserves before Saturday's gala show which was broadcast live to upwards of 100 countries.

    The pageant also offered such titles as Best Evening Gown, BestHair, Best National Costume, Face of Net, Personality, Platinum Model, Photographer, Press and Team Model.

    John Singh, president of the Miss Tourism World organization, announced at the end of Saturday's pageant that the 2007 Miss Tourism Model of the World pageant would also be held in Tanzania.

    The announcement drew loud applauses from local audience who witnessed the show at a newly-completed plaza. Enditem