TFWA World Exhibition & Conference preparations are underway with new “robust health & safety measures” in place to reassure and welcome the return of the duty free and global travel retail industry.
Face masks will be mandatory for all attendees during show days, while hand sanitisers will be located throughout the Palais. Additionally, there will be a 24-hour medical concierge service at the venue with specialist medical teams available to support any visitors feeling unwell.
The event, which takes place in Cannes from the 25 October, will begin with an introduction by TFWA President Jaya Singh before hearing from Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, who will share her thoughts on the return of travel in China and the future expectations of Chinese travellers.
DFS Group CEO Benjamin Vuchot will discuss how travel retail can reinvent itself to meet the changing needs of travelling consumers and IATA vice president Europe Rafael Schvartzman will offer his perspective on the future prospects for air travel.
Imagen Insights co-founder Jay Richards will bring the conference to a close by exploring how the duty free and travel retail industry can remain relevant to the all-important Gen Z shopper.
Although the traditional social gathering on Sunday evening will not take place this year, TFWA has set out opportunities for delegates to network. This includes: TFWA’s ONE2ONE service so that delegates can book face-to-face meetings on-site each day as well as the TFWA Lounge, which will be open from 6.30pm – 9pm during the evenings.
Visitors to Cannes can be reassured that robust health & safety measures will be in place during TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, as the duty free and travel retail industry prepares to transition back from the home office to the exhibition floor. Those attending the event will be required to show proof of double vaccination or provide a recent negative COVID test result, with testing facilities available at the Palais des Festivals if required.
TFWA president Jayant Singh said: “We’re now working on the final finishing touches to enable our industry to meet physically after such a long time apart. There will also be many chances for delegates to re-engage and reconnect with colleagues during the show, whether this be in the exhibition halls, through our TFWA 365 platform, or relaxing over a drink at the TFWA Lounge.”
Singh added: “Networking and face-to-face interaction are at the heart of our industry, and I for one am looking forward to personally meeting you all in Cannes.”
Registration for visitors to access the exhibition and conference continues to be open until 7 October. Past this date, registration for visitors will also be possible on site within the Palais des Festivals of Cannes from 23-28 October.
The conference will be live-streamed on the TFWA 365 digital platform for those unable to travel to Cannes.
