TFWA ASIA PACIFIC 2018: SCENE SETTER


TFWA Asia Pacific exhibitor numbers set to eclipse 2017


With commercial and infrastructural development continuing apace in Asia Pacific, this year’s TFWA Singapore event could not come at a better time, as Andrew Pentol finds out.


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s the duty free and travel retail industry prepares to descend on Singapore for the


23rd TFWA Asia Pacific Conference and Exhibition (6-10 May), few will be surprised that exhibitor reservation numbers are tracking well ahead of 2017. TRBusiness confirmed with TFWA


on 6 March that 297 companies had already secured stands at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre where the event is taking place. This represented a 6% rise on last year’s final exhibitor total, with the association confident of improving on that percentage rise before the show begins. According to TFWA, 38 brands (correct as of 6 March) are also appearing for the first time in Singapore or returning after a break. These include Marni (fashion and accessories), Banyan Tree (fragrances and cosmetics), Galler (confectionery and find food), Advini (wines and spirits), Cartier (jewellery and watches), Cognac de Luze owner Maison Boinaud (wines and spirits), The East India Company (confectionery and fine food) and Toscana Italian Cigars (tobacco). The show continues to be a draw


for new and returning exhibitors. Factors include the strong commercial momentum witnessed in the region driven by several high-profile duty free openings, DFS Group and Shilla Duty Free


at Singapore Changi Airport’s T4 being just one example. Another is new joint venture concessionaire CDF-Lagardère’s liquor and tobacco opening at Hong Kong International Airport. Looking at the bigger picture, Asia Pacific is key to the success of the entire industry. Erik Juul-Mortensen, President, TFWA said last year: “Looking at the performance of the regions, Asia Pacific was once again ‘the engine room for the industry’ with year-on- year growth of 8.2%.” The region’s importance is


further illustrated by the fact that Asian sales to travellers rose by 8.1% in H1 2017 versus the same period in 2016. Europe, the second highest performer, grew turnover by just 3% in comparison [Source: Generation Research]. Important insights will again be presented at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Conference (7 May), which comprises two morning plenary sessions and three themed workshops that will run simultaneously.


Busy plenary programme Plenary session one will update delegates on the current state of the DF&TR industry, before focusing on technological advances that are transforming how we consume and interact with brands. Juul-Mortensen will deliver


The TFWA Asia Pacific show will remain at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre until at least 2020.


APRIL 2018


his opening thoughts, followed by APTRA President Andrew Ford. Co-Founder of Siri and Viv Labs Adam Cheyer and Futurist and Digital Economy Expert Shivvy Jervis will lead on. The second plenary session will look at how business practices have evolved over time, benchmarking the concession model against that of other comparable retail markets. It will also present a study


The TFWA Asia Pacific Conference will comprise two morning plenary sessions followed by a concurrent workshop programme taking place after lunch.


commissioned by TFWA on the evolution of the business model in DF&TR from business analyst Boston Consulting Group. Highlights, key findings and recommendations will be presented, before a discussion featuring several industry leaders. The Theme, ‘#TRevolution’ aims


to crystallise technological advances and their impact on travel retail. “As ever, the conference will hear


from speakers within and beyond the industry, its aim being to encourage exchange and debate on the future direction of our business,” according to TFWA. Alongside the conference and exhibition, there wil once again be a plentiful supply of networking opportunities. This year, the welcome cocktail (Sunday) moves to the Gardens by the Bay, with exclusive access to the world’s largest glass greenhouse. Meanwhile, the Singapore Swing Party takes place at the JW Marriott Hotel. «


“Looking at the performance of the regions, Asia Pacific was once again ‘the engine room of the industry’, with year-on-year growth of 8.2%.”


Erik Juul-Mortensen, TFWA President


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