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Frankfurt Book Fair fails to make a splash

The Frankfurt Book Fair this year failed to attract as many book lovers as it did in its past editions.

In 1996, a total of 40,000 participants attended the fair, whereas only 7,000 exhibitors showed up this year.

Some attributed the decline to the technology era and the Internet which have affected the sale of books worldwide. Famous cities like London, Paris and others are reportedly giving tough time to Frankfurt.

The historical book fair, which is five-centuries-old and was first launched in the 17th century, is struggling to make its presence felt at the world stage despite having attracted 7,000 exhibitors representing some 100 countries, with 9,300 journalists and media persons, many bloggers and at least a quarter million visitor including 170,000 professionals this year.

The world interest at the world-class book fair has diminished and it is expected to decrease further over the coming years unless the Germans managed to find a radical solution to such an issue, which could bring back glare to that world cultural phenomenon.

As for the current edition, Finland has been named the guest of honour. The opening ceremony of the event was shared by Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö — his country being the guest of honour.

From the Middle East countries, Iran was at the forefront of the event with its huge presence. -malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com

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