Floriade, the International Horticultural Exhibition, has concluded its festival run in Almere for another year, with the last members of the public visiting the site on 9 October 2022.
The experience has received favourable reviews during its course, reflected in survey data with organisers sharing that public exit reviews showed average guest satisfaction levels of eight out of ten. Floriade Expo 2022 welcomed 685,189 visitors in total since it opened in April this year.
During the event’s course, Floriade welcomed international visitors from over 95 nationalities, with the main countries of origin other than The Netherlands being Germany and the US.
The Expo also experienced a notable level of enthusiasts and those described as having a ‘high and medium interest’ who visited the Expo several times, with the general public visiting on a more limited basis. Attendance was affected by prioritisation behaviours caused by the COVID-19 lockdowns and extremely high inflation, especially across Europe.
Growing numbers
Through its extensive arts programme, Flevoland became home to over 1,000 different performances across various Expo stages. The Green House displayed the latest innovations in the horticultural sector, including sustainable and circular cultivation made possible through vertical farming and drones.
Growers competed each week with a series of competitions, exhibiting the best fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants in the region. Professionals found inspiration through more than 1,500 conversation-led events, where executives exchanged knowledge on how safe and healthy cities in the future should be created, leading to the creation of a continually growing network of no less than 4,000 experts.
A greener future
It is hoped that Floriade Expo 2022 will deliver future benefits for the region through the Floriade Academy. The organisation has helped cultivate young talent with over 1,750 students participating in Floriade projects, with the hope of a greener tomorrow.
“Floriade not only contributes to the economic value for Almere, Flevoland and the Netherlands but especially to raising awareness of the importance of a healthy living and working environment,” said Floriade Expo 2022 CEO Hans Bakker.
“Thousands of inspirations, which visitors took away, make this Floriade a source of knowledge for the future. With Growing Green Cities, Floriade has shown perspective for a sustainable and liveable future.”
The legacy of Floriade Expo 2022, it is hoped, will continue through its message to exhibitors and attendees that ‘living in a green city, is a good life‘.
