On 16 November 2004, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) awarded Zaragoza the honor of hosting Expo 2008 over competition from Thessaloniki, Greece and Trieste, Italy.

  

The Exhibition will have the title "International Exposition Zaragoza Spain 2008: " Water and sustainable development " (Recognised Exposition Zaragoza Spain 2008). "Expo Zaragoza 2008" has been suggested as a shorter title. Plans are to house exhibits from 70 to 90 countries grouped together by their relationship to water (island nations, arctic nations, etc.).

2008 marks the centenary of the celebration of the Spanish-French Exposition Zaragoza 1908 . The bid for the Exhibition is based on firm principles and can be justified on a national, regional, and local level. Spain's level of development and stability, its consolidation as the second tourist world destination, and its experience in the organisation of large scale events, like the Olympic Games of Barcelona 92 and the Universal Exposition of Seville 92 are all good reasons for choosing Spain as the host country. Aragon's strategic geographical situation and its openness towards other regions make it an attractive option. Finally, the city of Zaragoza has an important place in the nation as a whole, it is situated in the centre of North eastern Spain, it has interesting projects (the High Speed train - AVE -, the PLA-ZA project), and it has experience as a host city for congresses (especially the International Water Fair - SMAGUA -).

The Exhibition will last for the three-month maximum period authorised by the BIE, between Saturday 14th of June and Saturday 13th of September 2008. This period coincides with the summer when the days are long, and the nights can be enjoyed. The Exhibition also coincides with tourism in Spain at its peak, which should ensure a steady flow of visitors. In summer the weather in Zaragoza is stable, hot and dry, ideal for open-air recreation and leisure activities. Summer festivities include the night of San Juan (24th of June), the Virgen del Carmen (16th of July), and the festivities of the 15th of August . Each of them will have a special theme included in the Exhibition: the encounter of water and fire, women in accordance with the third principle of the Statement of Dublin and finally, the 15th of August will inaugurate a long weekend dedicated to "water games", with the River Ebro as its setting.

Zaragoza 2008 will be structured around five theme pavilions and eight large eco-geographical areas comprising the 63 participating countries. The organization estimates that international presence could increase to 83 countries, with two big display areas of 12,500 constructed square metres being reserved for this purpose. The exhibition’s most emblematic feature will be the Water Tower, a transparent building 60 metres high designed by Enrique de Teresa Trilla to evoke a drop of water. Aside from the countries, non-government organizations and private companies will be taking part in Expo 2008, always with the idea of water and sustainable development. The Expo 2008 host committee has estimated that this event could generate 135 million euros in receipts for admission to the exhibition centre. The average price per visitor will be 18 euros, although prices will range from 30 euros for a one-day adult’s ticket to 225 euros for a season ticket.

Getting there: Ryanair flies to Zaragoza from London from £15.90 one way