From November 21 to 23, Limassol is once again hosting the 4th International Book Exhibition Limassol International Book Fair

Limassol is preparing to host one of the island's largest cultural events — the fourth International Book Exhibition, which will take place from November 21 to 23. This year, the event has been significantly expanded: 114 participants, more than 120 open events, and over 150 speakers from different countries have been announced.

The organizers emphasize that the exhibition strengthens Limassol's status as a platform connecting Europe and the Middle East. The central element of the program will be the expanded Professional Conference Assembly, which is now held over two days and includes 36 speakers from eight countries. The topics cover the entire book publishing cycle — from library work and translation issues to the implementation of artificial intelligence and publishing innovations.

In an interview with the publication "Σημερινή", the exhibition's co-founder and head of the professional program, Michalis Kalamaras, said that the annual themes are determined by the needs of the Cypriot book sector and are aligned with the international agenda. The organizers collaborate with industry associations and draw on the experience of major book fairs, including Frankfurt, Bologna, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Thessaloniki. He noted that as part of the European ThinkPub project, the exhibition collaborates with eleven partners from eleven countries, which enhances the international character of the program.

According to Kalamaras, the participation of speakers from different regions creates new opportunities for Cypriot authors — from translations to experience exchange. Simultaneously, this helps attract more publishing initiatives and technological solutions to the country.

A separate part of the program consists of the B2B Space business meetings and Limassol Networking Meetings. Compared to last year, the number of participants has more than doubled: in 2025, 42 professionals and organizations are accredited. New partners include the Egyptian Publishers Association and representatives from France and Italy, who are participating in the event for the first time.

Among the thematic areas, special attention is paid to the role of artificial intelligence in the book industry. A keynote speech will be given by Sarah Lloyd, Head of AI at Pan Macmillan publishing house. Sessions dedicated to children's literature, translation, and copyright are also planned, as well as a discussion on Cyprus's role as a publishing bridge between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. The program includes topics on digital libraries, e-books, and scientific information.

The organizers note that the balance between the professional and public parts is achieved by distributing the days: November 21 is entirely dedicated to professionals, while November 22-23 the exhibition is open to the general public with business zones operating in parallel. Visitors are provided with detailed digital and printed programs, and the space is organized so that readers of all ages and professionals can easily find the areas of interest to them.

Kalamaras believes that the exhibition's success is linked to a clear strategy, professional organization, and close cooperation with industry experts. Already in its fourth year, the exhibition has gained international recognition, including thanks to its strong professional section. In 2025, the focus of the cultural program is French literature and culture. This choice is due to the significant influence of French book tradition on Greek-language literature and the sustained international presence of French cultural institutions.

The organizers note that for young professionals, the exhibition represents an opportunity to learn about international trends and build professional connections, and readers are advised to plan their visit in advance considering the large number of events — this year there are 120, across six venues.