It is immediately noticeable how many people at Boektopia walk around with books under their arms. Readers, publishers and authors look back with satisfaction on the 9-day book fair in Kortrijk Xpo. 35,000 book vouchers of 10 euros were also awarded: an unexpected success for the book world.
“There are 70% more visitors this year than last year. We can really call it a success. About 105,000 books have been sold,” says organizer Jo Dupré.
Dupré sees a very bright future, with a lot of growth potential: “You also see that people from the provinces outside East and West Flanders are coming here more and more. In collaboration with the government, all publishers and bookstores, we can combat ‘dereading’.”