Bologna visitor numbers increased 9.2% in 2016

The number of people attending the Bologna Children’s Book Fair increased 9.2% this year compared to 2015, with foreign visitor attendance growing 16.8%, according to the organisers. The number of Italian visitors was also up, increasing 4.1%.

The number of exhibitors this year totalled 1,278, coming from 74 countries around the world.

“The 53rd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair saw the best of global publishing meet, debate and discuss the latest developments in the sector and the future outlook,” said organiser Bologna Fiere. “Not just books at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair: in a year in which the digital sector is flourishing, for the first time the fair dedicated an entire pavilion to multimedia in children’s publishing, with a greater focus on the future, also confirming its role as an important international platform dedicated to the whole sector for children and teenager.”

In terms of online channels, the visits to the fair’s website were up 112% compared to 2015, with an increase of 81% in single users and 131% in page views. The dedicated Facebook page had 8,200 new “likes” and the number of Instagram followers increased 245%.

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the oldest and most prestigious book fair concentrating solely on children’s books. The fair, which was set up in 1963, took place 4-7th April this year.

The fair also hosts several book prizes and the biggest award, with the www.thebookseller.com/news/meg-rosoff-wins-astrid-lindgren-325680">Astrid Lindgren prize this year given to Meg Rosoff.

Andersen Press picked up the Bologna Book Fair’s ‘children’s publisher of the year’ prize in the European category, becoming the first UK publishing house to win the award.

The 54th edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair will take place 3-6th April 2017.