Salaam, the Gulf city in Jurzan and host of the 2017 World Games, has become the overwhelming favourite to host GlobeFest™ 2021 as the bid process draws to a close this weekend. The city which was transformed for the Summer Games three years ago is bidding against Tours in Montelimar, which has become its main challenger, as well as West Cape (South Savannah) which was due to host the 2013 show before pulling out and 2010 host Tamur (Saria) and Mulhoffen (Erlangen-Ansbach). Despite initially being favourites to host, both the latter cities have failed to mount a serious challenge and most expect Mulhoffen to be eliminated in a first vote tomorrow morning. Two cities will qualify for a final round vote on Sunday when the winner will be announced.
World Media Commission head Liza Ford said that all bids were “of exceptional quality” and “amongst the best we’ve ever seen – which gives huge confidence to the 2021 show”. Details have been kept under wraps, but Salaam’s bid is thought to centre on its Alpo Ahmedi arena – a large state of the art venue built for the 2017 summer games. Lavish entertainment and arrangements were laid on for the event, which is thought to be seen in a positive light by WMC commissioners – and a visit to all cities took place over the past month. Most now expect the Gulf to host the 2021 show – the first time it will do so.
Bahía Blanca, Republica del Sur, will host the 2020 edition later this year.
