The Tunis international book fair is an annual cultural event of international scope, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage Preservation under the auspices of the President of the Republic.

Objectives:

To contribute to the promotion of books as a fundamental medium and mediator for the transmission of ideas and knowledge.

To offer the public a choice opportunity of discovering the latest in intellectual, literary, scientific and artistic production in Tunisia and in the world.

To contribute to the establishment of a tradition of reading and use of books

To create an enabling environment for developing exchange and partnerships in the spheres of creation, publishing and distribution and fostering contacts between professionals in the sector both on the national and international levels

To organise on the fringe of the fair any activity for the promotion of dialogue and exchange in intellectual, literary and/or artistic life.

To encourage interaction between books and new knowledge media and information technologies.

Development:

At the time of it’s creation in 1982, the Tunisian International book fair sessions were restricted to Arab books, and then the fair progressively expanded to gain an international dimension.

Since 1991, the fair is continuously organised in “Kram exhibition Parc” which is situated around 10km from Tunis Center a larger and better-suited venue offering improved conditions of access, of visitor reception and exhibition, meeting the demands created by the development of the event as illustrated by the increasing number of exhibitors and the greater diversity of participants (publishers, distributors or bookshops and visitors.

In view of the large number of visitors it attracts, the Tunis book fair has become one of the most popular cultural events and a choice opportunity for organizing various cultural events directly or indirectly connected to the world of literary, intellectual, scientific and artistic creation.

The Tunis book fair also play a reputed part in the promotion of professional relations between literary agents, publishers, distributors and bookshops.

The public:

On average the Tunis book fair receives 220. 000 visitors in 2006 representing all age groups, the various social and cultural categories and the different regions of the country.

From it’s International range, the Tunis International book fair attract a thousands of professionals and foreign visitors, mostly from Maghreb (North Africa), Arabs and francophones.

Media:

Considering it’s impact, the Tunis International book fair is one of the most advertised Cultural events in Tunisia.

It takes profit from the huge interest of the national, International and Arab Media (Radio, TV, magazines and newspaper), which consecrate for it a daily coverage and multi comments.

The 25th session:

In a spirit of continuity, the 25th session will seek to achieve the following goals:

1) Reinforce the event’s international vocation, and its openness on the world Cultures by widening the participation of more countries and welcoming more qualified editors

2) Ensure a better balance between the cultural, literary, scientific and technical production published through books.

3) Intensify the promotion activities to the profit of editorial newness and new talents.

4) Grant particular attention to activities for young people and children.

5) Improve the welcoming conditions provided to professionals and visitor information services.

6) Support the publication of Tunisian books and contribute to broadening their distribution within and outside the country.