Fresno Benefits from World Ag Expo

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The World Ag Expo has opened its three day run. The event draws tens of thousands of people. Its economic impact can be felt 50 miles to the north in Fresno.

Many visitors to the World Ag Expo flew into Fresno-Yosemite International Airport and then checked into a nearby hotel. Piccadilly Inn Airport saw an immediate $40,000 boost.

Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Layla Forstedt said, "Last year we tracked over 3,000 room nights. People that stayed from all over the world at our hotels here and this year we're looking probably to exceed that. The hotels filled up very quickly this year."

Fresno hotels have benefitted from the South Valley's limited options.

Forstedt said, "The economic impact just for the hotels, TOT tax and transportation was $1.4 million dollars last year and that doesn't include restaurants."

Many visitors have breakfast and dinner in Fresno and eat lunch at the World Ag Expo. But local restaurants and businesses also love the fact Valentine's Day is just around the corner. The rush has started at Kiku Floral in Downtown Fresno.

Owner Larry Yamada said, "Yes it's a busy week but it's on a Saturday this week so actually we're going to start delivering all week long so from today on we're taking Valentine's Day flowers out."

The staff was ready for the last minute walk-in crowd that wasn't quite ready for Valentine's Day. Yamada said red roses remain the top choice but people do want variety. "Aside from roses there's mixed bouquets but everything is predominantly red and white. It's more color than flower."

Yamada added mom and pop floral shops like his face fierce competition from big box and grocery stores.