The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and Expo 2021 Hatay have agreed upon 10 December 2021 to 30 May 2022 as the new dates for their International Horticultural Exhibition. The postponement has become necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expo 2021 Hatay will be hosted across two sites in Antakya and Iskenderun. The organisers expect to attract over two million visitors. Hatay Metropolitan Municipality aims to stimulate city greening and sustainable development for the Hatay region and the local economy.
Healthy lifestyles
Commenting on the date change, AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe says: “It is very important that the host cities of Expo prioritise the health and safety of national and international participants and visitors. We commend the organisers’ priority in this matter.”
The Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality of Hatay, Dr Lütfü Savaş, explains: “The Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted everyday life all over the world, including our region. We will turn this delay into an opportunity and use the time until opening to ensure security and safety for visitors and turn Hatay into a successful festival. We thank AIPH for its cooperation and assistance in this process.”
Expo 2021 Hatay will last six months. As an AIPH approved International Horticulture Exhibition (B Category), it will enable cooperation and information sharing to address essential issues such as healthy lifestyles, green cities, sustainable living, education, and innovation.
This event’s participants and exhibitors include Turkish and international cities, cooperatives, universities, private companies, and non-governmental organisations. They will prepare gardens and pavilions promoting a better future under the subthemes of “Sustainable Development and Organic Agriculture”, “Good Food for a Good Life”, “Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs for Health” and “Creative Roads on Cultural Brotherhood”.
