Thai exporters throw out millions of orchids as tourism plummets

Orchids for sale in Hong Kong. Global demand for cut flowers has plummeted. - AFP

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): As global tourism collapses, so does the orchid industry in top exporter Thailand, where the flowers are regarded as a symbol of hospitality.

Global demand for cut flowers, from Thai orchids to Dutch tulips and Kenyan roses, has plummeted as businesses and hotels shutter worldwide and consumers stay at home.