The 36th Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition & Conference took place last week, with a total of 3,408 delegates visiting the exhibition halls of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.
Travel retail and the duty free industry were offered fresh hope of a bright future ahead, with innovation being a key theme throughout the week.
The latest launches and campaigns from some of the world’s biggest and highly-regarded brands were on display across 12,190m² floor space.
There was a strong focus on the ideas and future trends set to drive market growth in the coming months. A digital showcase of new innovations from forward-thinking companies was presented virtually via the TFWA i.lab on TFWA 365.
Jaya Singh, TFWA president, said of the event: “What a week we have had here in Cannes. Thanks to the more than 270 exhibitors who have supported the event, plus the buyers, agents and landlords in attendance, we’ve been able to get back to business at last.
“The atmosphere has been overwhelmingly positive and it has been such a pleasure to see industry friends and colleagues reconnecting after so long. On behalf of TFWA, our heartfelt thanks to all our exhibitors and buyers at the event. It has been wonderful to see you again and we look forward to catching up again in Singapore for TFWA Asia Pacific next year.”
Visitors had the opportunity to meet and network with 272 exhibiting companies across 262 stands, as well as five official boats docked in the Harbour Village. A total of 35 exhibitors made their debut in Cannes this year.
Among stories which came out of the duty free and travel retail conference was news that Quintessential Brands has revealed that three of the brand extensions from its Opihr gin brand, which it originally released pre-pandemic, have had huge appeal for people who want to travel to their favourite holiday destinations, but can’t. Read more on that here.
