Sanya, China, November 12, 2005 - A Welcome Lunch was held today at the Spice Garden of Sheraton Sanya Resort with the Miss World 2005 contestants, Mr. Claudio Nardini, General Manager of Sheraton Sanya Resort, Ms. Maria Garcia, reigning Miss World and Mr. Steven Morley of the Miss World Organization.

The Welcome Lunch is the first event of the Miss World 2005 and it is held at the Sheraton Sanya Resort - "the home for the 55th Miss World 2005" as quoted by Mr. Morley.

Mr. Nardini personally greeted the 55th Miss World 2005 contestants and in his speech, he welcomed everyone to "Sheraton Sanya Resort, the beauty queens' home away from home". He also said that the management team and the associates of Sheraton Sanya Resort will be making every effort to ensure the beauty queens' experience a pleasurable and memorable one.

Ms. Garcia said that she tremendously enjoyed her stay in Sanya last year and she advised all the contestants to make the most of their experience.

The beauty queens came in their colorful dresses, some of them even wearing their national costumes and carrying their country's flags.

They were treated to an impressive presentation of a wide variety of international cuisines that cater to the Miss World contestants' varied tastes as reflective of their diverse backgrounds. The menu included healthy salads, succulent lobsters, delectable pastas, appetizing barbecue dishes, mouth watering desserts and other specialty items.

For more information on Sheraton Sanya Resort, please visit www.sheraton.com/sanya.

Editor: Donald