MISS French Polynesia Aruhoia Biret arrived in the country yesterday with a big smile that brightened the dull weather.
The 20-year-old arrived with her chaperon and mother, Anne-Marie Biret, and was greeted by Miss Fiji Mere Nailatikau.
Ms Nailatikau took on the role of translator after Ms Biret found it difficult to converse in English.
"I feel happy to be here and I'm looking forward to the pageant," she said in French.
"I want to make a lot of friends and have a good experience."
Mrs Biret said it was the first time they were in Fiji and admired the hospitality and welcome accorded them at Nausori airport.
Ms Nailatikau said preparations for the Pacific Building Solutions-sponsored South Pacific Pageant were going well.
"Right now I'm just excited meeting the queens," she said.
Miss Samoa Tusisaleia Pomele is expected to arrive today with Miss Solomon Islands Millicent Barty.
Miss American Samoa Lorisa Matautia and Miss Niue are expected to arrive tomorrow with reigning Miss South Pacific Vanessa Marsh.
American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga and Tuvalu will participate.
The pageant theme is 'Preserving the Environment the Pacific Way'.
