From Palma to Vietnam: Elisabeth Reynés heads to Miss World 2026

From Palma to Vietnam: Elisabeth Reynés heads to Miss World 2026

On Passeig Mallorca, where coffee aromas hang among the plane trees in the morning and suppliers wheel crates into cafés, people have been talking for days about the same news: a young woman from Palma convinced at the national selection and will now travel to Asia to represent Spain at Miss World. Elisabeth Reynés, 21 years old (born 2003), is the new Miss World Spain 2026.

The competition concluded on Gran Canaria, where Reynés prevailed against 35 competitors. In addition to winning the title she also secured the ticket to the international final, which takes place in August in Vietnam. The runner-up and third place went to two contestants from the mainland: María Amespi from Valencia and Carla Castro, who as the local favourite received great applause.

What this news makes noticeable in Palma is less the glamour than the mix of down-to-earthness and determination that many on the island value. Reynés studies tourism management and has additionally trained in areas such as hotel management, reflecting initiatives like Calvia strengthens tourism training: eTalent brings students and businesses together. Those who ask about the market in Olivar or Plaça Major hear that she has worked hands-on — reception, guest services, sometimes smiling at the reception desk in the evenings. Such experiences, neighbours say, shape the way she approaches people.

In the interviews she underwent during preparation she apparently showed not only runway training but also commitment to concrete topics: mental health, education, equal opportunities and environmental protection are on her list. That fits a trend many on the island observe: contests increasingly define beauty by attitude and engagement.

One scene from Palma stays in my mind: on a mild morning, 18 °C, a few clouds in the sky, two women leafing through the Sunday paper in front of a small kiosk stop at a photo and smile. "Good that she's not just pretty," one of them says. This simple reaction shows what the title can be here beyond a trophy — an opportunity to bring Mallorca's everyday life, culture and concerns to foreign stages.

Reynés herself speaks of wanting to create closeness: to listen, tell stories and connect. She reportedly experienced a moment in a personal interview round when she presented herself "without filters" and felt truly like herself. Such moments matter not only for the candidate but for all who listen — young people on the island who wonder how to stand in public without losing their roots.

Why is this good news for Mallorca? Because a representative who comes from local work experience and brings tourism knowledge can project a different image on a large international stage than the usual postcards: not just clichés of sun-beach-party, but stories of service work, initiatives for mental health in schools, small environmental projects along the coast. That has resonance — and can also provide momentum for local projects such as Regenerative Tourism in Brussels: Vision or Wishful Thinking?.

The view ahead is clear: in August Reynés will compete in Vietnam. There, not only the runway appearance counts but the ability to make issues visible and connect people. For Palma that means: someone is travelling who has gathered voices here — in lecture halls, at the hotel reception and probably at a market between orange stalls and croissants.

Finally, a small encouraging observation: on the island people like to celebrate successes with a wink, but also with support. For young women who want to follow similar paths the message is simple: stay grounded, learn the craft and don't be afraid of big stages. Anyone strolling through Plaça Weyler or along the harbour promenade in Palma in the coming months would do well to keep an ear open for news from Vietnam.

A moment, a title — and an opportunity to show Mallorca differently. That's enough to bring a smile to the breakfast table.