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The race to host the 2030 World Expo is heating up, with Rome, Busan, and Riyadh as the top candidates. The decision is set to be made in Paris, where the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) will cast their votes.
Each city is intensifying its campaign with unique propositions and impressive endorsements. Rome has leveraged the star power of actor Russell Crowe in a promotional video, reminiscent of his role in “Gladiator,” highlighting the city’s readiness. Rome’s bid team, led by Giampiero Massolo, has gone all out, hosting BIE delegates in Paris with luxurious hospitality, aiming for a final face-off with Busan.
Their proposal includes the creation of the world’s largest urban solar park and a green pathway linking the Expo site to the historic Appia Antica.
On the other hand, Busan, the South Korean port city, is leveraging its cultural influence by enlisting stars like Psy and BTS to promote its bid. The city’s vision for the Expo focuses on advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence and 6G, to drive visitor numbers and job creation.
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has launched a substantial marketing campaign, including a display near the Eiffel Tower and widespread advertising in Paris. Supported by French President Emmanuel Macron, Riyadh’s bid is part of a broader strategy to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and enhance its global profile.
The World Expo, with a history dating back to 1851, is a prestigious global event, historically a showcase for technological and cultural innovations, introducing the world to inventions like the light bulb, Ferris wheel, and the Eiffel Tower. These events have transformed into platforms for economic growth and enhancing the global standing of host cities.
As the BIE prepares to vote in Paris, the world awaits the decision that will add to the illustrious history of the World Expos. The next Expo is scheduled for 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
