High stakes and glitz mark the vote in Paris for the 2030 World Expo host

By THOMAS ADAMSON and SYLVIE CORBET
Associated Press

ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, France (AP) — Rome, Busan, and Riyadh are the top contenders to host the next World Expo in 2030. The organizing body will select a winner on Tuesday. The stakes are high and each city has escalated its campaign efforts. Rome has enlisted actor Russell Crowe and has included plans for the world’s largest urban solar park in its bid. South Korean port city Busan brought in K-pop heavyweights like BTS while the Saudis have received support from French President Emmanuel Macron. The first World Expo was held in 1851 and they have been the launchpad for innovations including the light bulb and the Ferris wheel.