Biggest world book fair comes to Cape Town

"The fair will showcase leading international and local publishers, and provide a platform to launch African literary talent onto the global market," said PASA chairman Lindelwe Mabandla, at the launch in Cape Town today. "We envisage the Fair covering every facet of publishing - from authors and publishers, through to paper manufacturers, printers and book sellers.

"We don't, at least in the early days, expect the CTBFair to have the same economic impact as Frankfurt, but their numbers give us an indication of what is possible. In 2004, the turnover at the FBF was in excess of €600 million, and the impact on the city of Frankfurt and the surrounding areas was a staggering €1000 million. Its importance can be measured by the 12 000 journalists which covered the 2004 event."

Mabandla said FBF had made available to the Cape Town organizer, all the muscle of their technical, financial and international marketing teams. "With this expertise, we are assured of an impressive international turnout, which will support the cultural interests of South Africa and the rest of the continent."

Tourism will be a major benefactor from the Book Fair. Discerning travelers from all over the world have declared Cape Town to be a favourite destination, and the beauty of the city and its various attractions will be an added drawcard to the international publishing market.

"By holding the fair in June, we are also supporting the tourism initiatives in the Mother City to stretch the season," Mabandla said.

Central to the South African event will be a focus on reading and culture, which will be catered for under a special Book Festival component. "Our aim is to provide a fun-filled cultural element, involving local schools, libraries and communities."

The fair will support the Government's efforts to popularise reading in South Africa and support a culture of learning and literacy, exposing disadvantaged communities to new experiences through authors and books.

The National Department of Arts and Culture has pledged a financial subsidy, seeing this as part of its cultural growth programme.

Aside from its cultural impact, the economic impact of the on Cape Town, and on to the rest of the country, will be substantial. Statistics from Frankfurt show the following in 2004: