Several guide and travel publishers, coordinated by publisher consultant Christoph Ostermann, launched a shared stand in Hall 5 of the Frankfurt Book Fair. The concept was praised for strengthening the visibility of the product groups and fostering exchange among the exhibitors.
Stephan Fuhrer, publisher‑leader at Tietge Verlag, said the collaboration was a success for the small, young house: “We could benefit from the star power of our established partners.” He also noted that his agency background helped shape the stand and that a repeat would be welcomed, with plans to make it even more attractive and modern.
Wayan Rump, managing director of Reise Know‑How Verlag, highlighted the stand’s role in showcasing the diversity of travel publishers and the value of conversations with visitors and peers. He added that many guests who came for guides also browsed travel titles, and vice versa.
Simone Graff of HÄDECKE Verlag described the stand as “overwhelmingly positive,” citing attractive design, professional execution and largely favourable visitor feedback. She suggested adding a dedicated stage or moving the existing one closer to the future stand location.
Criticism focused on the new hall layout. Fuhrer felt the redistribution was right but still needed adjustment, especially during the Fachbesucher‑days when visitor flows were uneven. Rump agreed that the bundling of travel publishers eased audience navigation, but the fair’s new concept still required fine‑tuning.
Graff pointed out orientation problems for regular visitors, an under‑filled fair app, and staff who sometimes directed guests to wrong stands. She called for a clearer app and better signage, noting that multiple representations of the same publisher across the fair added to confusion.
Overall, the exhibitors see potential for future editions. Tietge Verlag is open to re‑participation, Reise Know‑How Verlag will assess internally, and HÄDECKE Verlag supports continuation with concrete expectations for improved design, event spaces and fair organisation.