Top contenders for World Expo 2030 host country await vote in Paris today

Rome, Busan, and Riyadh are the top contenders for the 2030 World Expo host city, as the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) prepares to vote in Paris.

Each city has intensified its campaign efforts, showcasing unique visions and ambitious promises to secure the event's rights, ABC News reported.

Rome sought the help of actor Russell Crowe to promote the city's readiness for the Expo and hosted BIE delegates at Paris' Plaza Athénée hotel, offering a Michelin-starred meal and extra virgin olive oil gifts.

Rome's bid includes plans for the world's largest urban solar park and a green corridor connecting the Expo site to historic landmarks like the Appia Antica (Appian Way).

With cultural heavyweights like rapper Psy from "Gangnam Style" and K-pop and international supergroup BTS, South Korea's Busan has strengthened its bid for the Expo.

It has presented itself as a high-tech Expo and highlights its 6G and AI capabilities in an effort to draw millions of visitors and create jobs.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Riyadh has launched a significant marketing campaign, including a “Riyadh 2030” exhibit near the Eiffel Tower and extensive advertising across Paris.

Saudi Arabia has received support from French President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to diversify the kingdom's economy and enhance its international standing.

The World Expo, held annually since 1851, has been a hub for showcasing technological advancements and cultural achievements, including groundbreaking inventions like the light bulb, the Ferris wheel, and the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle.

These events which celebrate human ingenuity and promote economic growth, are set to continue with the upcoming vote in Paris, with the next Expo in Osaka scheduled for 2025, marking a significant milestone in the World Expos' rich legacy.