By Neko Nakahara
WorldVision 113, hosted in Light City was an event. A regular WorldVision, nothing special however it was not very hyped up in Saint Monkey. SMBS said they were proud of what they achieved but it wasn't that big of contest and many fans were left a bit dissapointed. It had been a fun contest, with Francesca Tanti of Malta Comino Gozo coming away with a very comfortable win of 341 points. SMBS said they would take a lot from this contest, and then improve it. So, when the host bid from the city of Orangamonk was announced earlier, it did promise a lot. A whole WorldVision Village, or as they call it "WV Valley," many events inside of Saint Monkey, commissioning events across the country, street parties, house parties and more. The hype has been created, the money poured in, despite the possibility of not even hosting the contest. But not only that, the contest takes place right after the Banutang Song Festival, the biggest in Saint Monkey, 200,000 visitors each year. Then a film festival in the capital Chimpangutan attracting 20,000 others. It wouldn't be much of a suprise then if the around 90,000 international visitors from both countries stayed for the contest then. How will they all fit?
Saint Monkey is no stranger to tourists. One of the largest sectors are tourism and it is the backbone of the economy. Many companies that have nothing to do with tourism, yet run tourist operations during peak seasons. So, they can handle a lot of visitors. But that being said, the contest is being hosted in Orangamonk, a city of only 70,000 citizens. Considering this, with about 25,000 other tourists coming into Orangamonk for the contest, and Saint Monkeyians, the quiet city is suddenly going to be overflowed with people for WorldVision week. Regional President Laiti Berger promises there will be enough space but if all these 90,000 people also attempt to flock to the host city, there will be a big problem. Furthermore, the city is located at over 3000m above sea level, so there may be a serious health risk to many who go up there.
The Saint Monkeyian government has advised for tourists that are heading up to Orangamonk to have a ticket for the contest and accomodation. But then there is also the live show in the WV Valley. So it is unknown how that will impact numbers visiting the contest. They also advised many to instead go to the nearby cities that are organising events for the live streams of the contest, with food, drinks, dancing and more.
For now, the answer remains unclear. Of course many tourists won't be interested in WorldVision, however the often quaint Orangamonk will be tested to its' limits and for sure will be at 100% capacity. For the locals, and for the tourists, we will see what happens during the stressful and chaotic WorldVision week.
That is if, of course, Orangamonk is chosen to host WorldVision.
READ MORE: Saint Monkey to host bid for the WorldVision Song Contest
23rd July 2025
Publishing Broadcaster
