The award was presented in a ceremony in Toronto by the International Garden Tourism Network. The trade organisation annually awards the best garden tourism initiatives worldwide and the Flower Carpet received the international jury's highest acclaim in the 'flower event' category.
Annette Katz, manager of Bloementapijt NPO, said she was "absolutely delighted" with the award.
She added, "This distinction rewards the know-how of a whole team of enthusiasts. Amongst them, there are those who grow the begonias and others who design the drawing which will highlight the flowers' splendid colours.
"And others still who are in charge of the logistics for this ephemeral and spectacular display."
She said, "Without forgetting the volunteers who bring colour to this glimmering fabric of 75 by 24 metres, placed at the centre of an ancient site that is well-known by all: our legendary Grand Place."
Katz said that "nothing is left to chance" in the creation of the carpet: pictorial adaptation, music, pyrotechnics, print-outs and displays, tourist circuit at the heart of the city hall, passing by the balconies that reveal the panoramic view of this magnificent fabric.
"The flower carpet is, before anything else, an adventure of team work and floral precision."
She went on, "Thanks to the essential qualities of every craftsperson, the Flower Carpet has, for several decades, become one of the most recognised and well-known images of our capital abroad.
"This is the reason why we are pleased and proud to have received this distinction that honours everybody's work."
The event will next be held on 12, 13, 14 and 15 August 2016 but, before that, the second edition of "Flowertime" will take place on the Grand Place and in the City Hall this August, from 13 to 16.
The theme will be revealed at the end of May.
By Martin Banks
