Expo 2016 Antalya is a non-commercial World Exposition with some very unique and innovative features. For the first time in the history of world fairs, the theme of a World Expo is flowers and children: A Green Life For Future Generations. This theme will unite over 51 participants into action around the challenges and opportunities facing our global ecological system and the sustainable development of our planet.
Running for 190 days (from 23 April to 30 October), this giant exhibition site, covering 0 hectares of Expo land, 4 main areas called Expo Hill, Expo Forest, Expo Pond and Expo Tower are going to be visited by millions of tourists. It is expected to welcome over 8 million visitors who will experience a unique journey that looks at the complex theme of nutrition.
Expo 2016 Antalya will be the first Exposition in history to be remembered not only for its entertaining pavilions, but also for its contribution towards education on ecology and the planet’s precious resources.
During Expo period of six months 20.000 different activities are going to be organized including panel discussions, meetings, seminars, performing arts events, concerts and most importantly children congresses. The current state of the local landscaping which is arranged by the local municipalities and the tourism sector is a positive and encouraging position for Antalya.
Antalya is an ideal geographical location for the Expo. With its 640 km long coastline and its rich history and incredible natural beauty, Antalya spreads out right in front of your eyes. There are approximately 300 antique sites to visit such as Aspendos, Termessos, Phaselis, St. Nicholas, Perge and the ruins of the ancient city of Patara. The excellent combination of the sea and sun, beaches, breath taking waterfalls and authentic localities such as Olympos make it virtually a wonderland. Its 500.000 bed capacity with 240 five star hotels, addressing 2 billion people within a 4 hours flight distance, proves its enormous tourism potential. Antalya, with its enormous variety of beautiful geographical features, and a population approaching two million, has a temperate climate and an endemic plant structure. The flora of Turkey is relatively rich with 9.160 species and a great number of new species are still being documented. In Turkey, the rate of endemism is relatively high when compared with other European countries. The number of endemic species in Turkey is greater than 3.300. Of these, there are 500 endemic species in Antalya. Antalya’s natural beauty has turned it into a centre of attraction.
The city's economy is founded on the 3 mainstays of: Tourism, agriculture, commerce and industry. Manufacturing companies in different fields are active alongside the organized industrial zone. Annually more than 10 million foreign visitors come to Antalya. And, of course, agriculture shows the other side of Antalya. Identified with the blue sea Antalya also has a green face. When Antalya agriculture is mentioned, the sectors that undoubtedly come to mind are fresh fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. With 45.246 hectares of a potential vegetable production area, Antalya has 13 % of the vegetable production in Turkey and 36 % of Turkey’s total production in the cut flower sector, exporting to 57 countries, is in Antalya.
The ornamental plants sector, which is an integral part of Antalya, provides many social benefits, from the creation of employment to attaining economic value in many areas, not only at local level but also at national level. The Flower Festival which has now become a tradition is being held for the seventh time this year and international seminars, trade fairs and trade delegations continue throughout the year. These are some of the organizations which are at the heart of the ornamental plants sector in Antalya.
So, Who is going to Antalya this year to visit Expo 2016?
