Belmopan, Belize 8 August (Belizean.com) Miss Nicaragua Maritza Rivas last night won the Miss Belize Reina de la Costa Maya Beauty Pageant at San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
 
Maritza
has a Master's Degree in Tourism Management and Development which
according to her, is crucial for her home country of Nicaragua.

"Tourism is the future of my country, all it takes is envisioning it,"
she stated.

Maritza won over the judges with her energy
and sense of humor.

She describes herself as spontaneous, charismatic,
very happy, loves to laugh, enjoys sharing and making people feel good
about themselves.

The Costa Maya Festival is in its 18th year and attracts thousands of visitors from across Central America to Belize.

The festival features a beauty contest, dances and international artists such as this year's featured performer Christian Castro,