A Canberra cafe mogul says Floriade's "reimagined" model during the coronavirus pandemic has helped his suburban stores achieve record numbers.
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The annual spring festival, which celebrated its last day for the year on Sunday, pulled up stumps from Commonwealth Park in 2020 and took visitors on a "tulip trail".
The trail extended across most of the territory and, at one point, took tulip-chasers past blooms on Anketell Street at Tuggeranong - just around the corner from Blake Proberts' Two Before Ten cafe.
When asked whether Floriade would have contributed to the store's recent record numbers, Mr Proberts answered "100 per cent".
"Generally, if it draws attention, in particular at a store like the Tuggeranong one where it's a little bit hidden away, [it's a good thing]," Mr Proberts said.
"Having more people in the area I think not only brings them but makes them aware that we exist there, which then has a bit of a compounding effect."
Mr Proberts said figures were up at all of his stores compared with this time last year. He said while he thought Floriade contributed to the result, it also might have had to do with the coronavirus stimulus package and easing restrictions.
Mr Proberts owns eight Canberra cafes including another Two Before Ten in Aranda, Atlas in Gungahlin and The Front at Lyneham.
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Meantime, close to Floriade's traditional grounds at Commonwealth Park, The Pedlar pub owner Simon Hammond said business was down compared with this time last year.
He said he and his team were missing interstate travellers, but the local community had been a big support; coming for a visit after riding scooters around the lake, and taking a look at local community-planted Floriade installations.
In 2019, Floriade contributed $44.7 million to the ACT visitor economy. In 2018, it contributed $38.6 million.
"We normally do social media posts promoting things like Floriade, which really helps drive that weekend, family sort of crowd," Mr Hammond said.
"But this year, obviously, none of that was done. It's a bit sad that you don't see it."
Mr Hammond said he would support Labor's proposal to keep Floriade installations in the suburbs, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Park festival.
Mr Proberts said the move would "definitely be a positive thing", particularly in suburbs like Tuggeranong that otherwise lack much of an art scene compared with suburbs like Braddon.
An Events ACT spokeswoman said while the number of people who visited Floriade installations in 2020 wasn't recorded, the feedback from virtual festival participants was positive.
She said tulips planted in community gardens would be donated back to community groups, while tulips at Woden Town Park, Casey roundabout, Kippax library, Kingston, and City Hill would remain in place.
Others would be gifted in bouquets to Canberra hospitals and nursing homes this week.
"Flowers will be gifted to Clare Holland House, Canberra Hospital, John James Hospital, Calvary Public Hospital, Calvary Private Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital and more locations," the spokeswoman said.
"Events ACT ask that the Canberra community respects this process and leaves the flowers to be removed only by the Floriade team to brighten the day of those in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices."
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
