The Christchurch economy was boosted by $19.7 million directly from hosting the Ellerslie Flower Show this year, an independent study has revealed.

That is more than $3 million higher than the amount generated when the event was held in Auckland.

After bidding against Auckland and Hamilton, Christchurch won the right to host the annual horticultural event in 2007.

This year the show attracted 80,000 visitors to the ‘garden city’ of Christchurch.