Tunis: The curtain fell on the 40th edition of the Tunis International Book Fair at the Kram Exhibition Centre, concluding ten days of literary exploration. Visitors had the opportunity to delve into the latest publications spanning culture, thought, philosophy, history, criticism, and an array of scientific studies. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the event, held from April 23 to May 3, 2026, featured Indonesia as the guest of honor and attracted publishers from over 35 countries, showcasing more than 148,000 titles in multiple languages. The fair experienced significant attendance, particularly on weekends and holidays, with May 1st, Labour Day, drawing a record 35,000 visitors. Beyond the impressive turnout, the event reported increased sales, with many exhibitors from Tunisia and other Arab countries expressing satisfaction with their profit margins due to high book demand. The fair also welcomed new publishing houses and saw the return of some that had been absent for several years. Farid Zah ran, head of the Egyptian Publishers Association, highlighted the fair's potential to become a pivotal destination for Arab publishers, especially given the regional instability affecting other fairs. Despite its successes, the fair was not without its challenges. Organisational issues were evident, with delays in displaying the exhibition stand map and the absence of an official website complicating navigation. Arab exhibitors noted unclear stand numbering and delays in booth setups, which affected early attendance. Additionally, design flaws in certain stands obstructed visibility and visitor flow. The allocation of exhibition spaces prompted opposition, as some publishers criticized the lack of transparency in assigning prime locations. Suggestions included implementing a digital booking system and organizing stands by publisher size and nationality to enhance visitor experience and foster partnerships. Promotion of guest events was also lacking, with notable figures such as Gvantsa Jobava, Saïd Khatibi , and Ibrahim Nasrallah receiving insufficient publicity. Visitors often stumbled upon talks by chance, and poor scheduling limited attendance. Amidst these challenges, the strong turnout of Tunisian readers stood out as a highlight, underscoring the country's rich reading culture. The fair's success emphasized the need for a permanent organizing body to plan events well in advance, ensuring continued success and preserving the fair's prestige in the years to come.