Bloomington loses bid to host 2027 World Expo, Belgrade selected
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Bloomington has lost its bid to host the 2027 World Expo.
The city had been pitched under the theme "Healthy People, Healthy Planet," and was estimated to bring in $729 million in economic impact for the state.
However it ultimately lost to the Serbian city of Belgrade. Malaga, Spain came in second place.
"While we're disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to host the world this time, we congratulate Serbia on their successful bid for Expo 2027. We know that they will create a memorable Expo experience," Bob Clark, Minnesota USA World Expo bid committee co-chair, said. "While Minnesota may not have been chosen as the host, we are incredibly proud of the effort, passion, and commitment that went into our bid."
Minnesota also previously lost a bid to host the 2023 Expo.
BIE Member States elect Serbia as host country of Specialised Expo 2027/28, with 81 votes, compared to 70 votes for Spain. Congratulations Belgrade! #BIE172 pic.twitter.com/DRtGOVYpPE
— BIE (@bieparis) June 21, 2023
Three other countries competed to host: Argentina, Spain and Thailand. Representatives from the Bureau of International Expositions cast their ballots in Paris on Wednesday morning.
RELATED: Minnesota pitches bid to host 2027 World Expo
It's been almost 40 years since the United States hosted an Expo. The next Expo will take place in 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Note: The above video is from June 21, 2022.