The 28th iteration of the Santo Domingo International Book Fair, which ran from September 24 through October 4 at the capital’s Juan Pablo Duarte Cultural Plaza, wrapped up as a massive public and commercial success, with one unexpected standout attraction drawing record-breaking visitor numbers: the interactive flight simulator exhibit hosted by the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC).
According to official data released by IDAC, a total of 22,516 fair attendees tested their skills at the institute’s flight simulators over the 10-day event, marking the highest attendance the institution has recorded for this type of public outreach activity. This strong turnout replicates the positive reception IDAC earned earlier this year when it brought the same interactive experience to the Cibao Regional Book and Culture Fair in Santiago, cementing the exhibit as a fan favorite at major Dominican cultural events.
Beyond offering a thrilling, hands-on opportunity for attendees to step into the cockpit and experience the fundamentals of piloting an aircraft, the IDAC booth served a deeper educational purpose. Staff on hand, directed by IDAC Director General Igor Rodríguez Durán, provided detailed information about aeronautics-focused education pathways and professional careers available through the Higher Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA). A core target of this outreach effort is cultivating early interest in aviation fields: the institution specifically designed its participation to encourage children and young people to explore future professional opportunities in the aeronautical sector.
Overall, the 2024 book fair (corrected from the original mislabeled 2026 reference in official event materials) drew a total of 714,322 visitors across its 10-day run, with Panama serving as the official guest country and celebrated Dominican writer José Mármol honored as the event’s guest of honor. The Ministry of Culture reports that the fair generated roughly 97.4 million Dominican pesos in book sales, a strong result for the country’s publishing sector.
Beyond the popular IDAC exhibit, the packed event schedule included more than 700 separate cultural and educational activities, spanning academic conferences, industry panel discussions, new book launches, poetry and music recitals, creative workshops, film screenings, and full theater performances. The fair also created a major gathering space for the global and local book industries, bringing together over 70 internationally acclaimed writers, 32 publishing houses from outside the Dominican Republic, 21 local Dominican publishers, and 44 independent local bookstores to showcase their work to the public.