International Flora Expo to help rake in NT$16.8 billion

Officials revealed the estimation as Mayor Hau Lung-bin and expo ambassadors jointly started yesterday the 100-day countdown for the opening of the large-scale international flora show and festival on Nov. 6.

They also unveiled the locally developed theme song and dance — SHERO, standing for “heroes” and “female heroes” (or heroines) — for the show performed by members of the popular S.H.E singing and performing group.

Mayor Hau said the hardware facilities at the 14 exhibition halls in four vast areas are now nearly 100 percent complete.

The spectacular shows will gradually unfold to the public following the completion of flora arrangements and decorations at various sites, he said.

Officials and economists refuted the criticisms that the city government has been spending too much on the flower show.

They argued that total expenditure of NT$9.55 billion is among the lowest for staging similar international exhibitions and the daily budget of NT$56 million is far below the daily figure of NT$519 million for the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics and NT$955 million for the 2009 World Games held in Kaohsiung.

But the capital investment will create revenues amounting to NT$16.8 billion for business operators in Taipei, farmers all across Taiwan, and hotels and tour operators.

Farmers alone were estimated to receive NT$400 million in revenues.

Hoteliers, restaurateurs, and travel agencies have intensified preparations for the immense business opportunities expected during days and evenings during the event.

Visitors from abroad will be able to take part in unrivaled ecological tours and taste variety of special cuisines.

Mayor Hau said in addition to the eight existing exhibition halls, six new ones are being constructed. All of these will be put to good use and none of them will be dismantled after the conclusion of the expo.

More than 31 countries, 59 cities and 86 organizations from around the world have signed up to share their horticulture and landscaping skills at the floral fair.

Organizers have set a target of attracting 8 million visitors from both Taiwan and overseas.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email