From New Zealand, Diamond Langi (22) will represent Miss Bou's Fashion; and from the United States, Zola Fauolo (19) from Utah, will represent Miss Horizon Sun.

The local girls Ebony Nuku enters as Miss Liahona Alumni and Siulolo Ramsay as Miss Lady Maria Australia.

The pageant organizers said they had confirmed participation from Miss Malo e Lelei Travel and Miss Loumaile Lodge, but had not received their details.

They expected 10 contestants to join this year's pageant and registration is still open.

Program

Tonga's annual Heilala Festival will be held this year under a theme "Tourism is our future", from July 16-28.

A highlight of the event is the Miss Heilala pageant to be held at a Heilala Village area in the Nuku'alofa CBD.

The first judging event of the Miss Heilala Pre-Pageant Interview will be held on Monday July 23, at Davina House.

The Miss Heilala Tau'olunga dancing competition will beheld on Tuesday July 24.

On Thursday, July 26 is the Miss Heilala final judging event, a South Pacific Evening with  island creation, talent, and sarong competitions.

The new Miss Heilala 2012-13 will be crowned during a Miss Heilala Ball on Friday night, July 27 at the Convention Centre, on the top floor of the Tonga Post building.

A float parade will conclude the Heilala Week and pageant on Saturday, July 28 starting from the Teufaiva Stadium to the Vuna Wharf on the Nuku'alofa waterfront.

The current Miss Heilala 2011-12 is Liberty Afeaki.