World Tulip Summit 2008

World Tulip Summit 2008 could lose up to £30,000 with co-host South Holland District Council promising to pay half.
The council decided to share 50 per cent (up to a maximum of £15,000) of the projected loss with organiser Springfields Horticultural Society (SHS).

Coun Nick Worth, district council portfolio holder for rural services, said: “This is an international event and we don’t get many opportunities to publicise Spalding in an international arena. It is something we want to be associated with.”

“People are coming from many different countries and when they return the profile of Spalding will be raised, articularly as it coincides with the Flower Parade’s 50th anniversary.

Delegates from countries including America, Canada and Holland will be attending the event, which was held in anberra, Australia, last year.

SHS is hoping that the majority of the event’s £52,000 cost will be raised through sponsorship, though it has only received £2,000 so far.

Summit organiser David Norton said: “The money the council is contributing is a supporting mechanism should our expenses overrun. We are hoping that the summit will pay for itself through sponsorship and delegate income.”

Estimated income from the three-day summit is £23,515.

“The summit will generate extra tourism and business for the bulb industry as it is a major international event.”