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Bookings for stands at this year's London Book Fair are down 2% compared to this time in 2008, according to unaudited figures from the fair's organisers.
Alistair Burtenshaw, group exhibition director for the LBF, said the level of bookings showed "a consistent determination among the global publishing community to come to London to do some serious business".
While exhibitor levels are down marginally, the number of pre-registered visitors is the same as last year. The International Rights Centre is at 95% capacity, and is still taking bookings as in previous years.
Burtenshaw said: "I am full of the usual anticipation and excitement but very conscious, of course, of the incredibly tough economic climate in which everyone is trading; a fact that we have taken into consideration when planning this year’s fair."
He added: "We have of course noticed a certain amount of belt-tightening but are pleased that with only 16 fewer main stand holders, exhibitor levels are at 98% year-on-year." Full attendance figures will be published after the fair, having been independently audited.
Burtenshaw said it was "heartening" to see growth in the number of exhibitors from some areas, highlighting academic and STM publishing, remainders and publishing solutions as being among them. This year will also see the launch of a Digital Zone, sponsored by Sony Reader and featuring 12 other digital companies.
Burtenshaw added: "Undeniably 2009 is a tough year; we will do everything we can to make this year’s fair as good as it possibly can be."