TIFF 2026 gives boost for Tomohon flower farmers

The excitement of the Tournament of Flowers (ToF) at the 2026 Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) gave direct economic benefit for local flower farmers. A total of 37 local flower farmers have independently prepared about 353,000 chrysanthemum trees to support the flower parade in Tomohon City.

North Sulawesi Governor Yulius Selvanus stated that from these preparations, 35 floats have been registered for the 2026 TIFF parade, which consists of 17 large floats and 18 small floats. Meanwhile, the parade's estimated flower requirement is more than 210,000 fresh flower trees.

"The spirit of mutual cooperation at this year's TIFF has had a real impact through the self-reliance of 37 local flower farmers who have prepared approximately 353,000 chrysanthemum trees," said Yulius in his remarks at TIFF 2026's ToF on the Alfa Omega Tower Main Stage in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi Province Aug. 8, 2026.

It wasn't just the sheer number of flowers that attracted attention. According to Yulius, the use of more than 210,000 fresh flowers in the parade is estimated to generate revenues of over Rp 840 million at the farmer level. This figure demonstrates how a tourism event can create direct demand for local agricultural products.

The impact then spreads to various other sectors. Yulius said the collaboration between art and tourism at TIFF 2026 has had a domino effect on farmers, artisans, decorators, culinary entrepreneurs, hotels, and transportation.

"This festival is also a driving force for the revival of the community's creative economy, the impact of which is directly felt by all levels of society," Yulius said.

For the North Sulawesi Provincial Government, TIFF 2026 has a broader role beyond a tourist attraction. The festival serves as a meeting place for flower farming products, creativity, the creative economy, and tourism. TIFF 2026's theme "Collaboration of Spirit" is intended to reflect that spirit, which involves the government, community, academics, artists, the private sector, MSMEs, and the media.

TIFF 2026 was the 14^th edition and is once again included in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026. Governor Yulius Selvanus hoped that the success of TIFF will have a strategic impact on the development of North Sulawesi and the advancement of Indonesian tourism. He believes the festival can also open up new investment opportunities and promote North Sulawesi's leading agro-tourism potential.

Thus, the flowers adorning the TIFF 2026 parade are not merely a visual attraction. Behind them lies an economic chain that begins with flower farmers and continues through the creative, tourism, culinary, hospitality, and transportation sectors. TIFF 2026 also showcased how a flower parade can be an economic driver for the Tomohon City community.