An in depth analysis The Travel Retail industry is trading in dynamic, exciting times. In the wake of a host of challenges posed by the abolition of intra-EU duty free, the industry has rallied to show its ingenuity and collective will to take travel retail to the next level. A Critical Message The Cannes 2001 Conference Explained
Almost 600 key executives from the global Duty Free and Travel Retail industry attended the Opening Conference on 22 October, during which time a minute's silence was held as a mark of respect to all those affected by 11 September.
TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen commended the delegates for their determination to overcome the challenges currently facing the international travel retail industry. Erik Juul-Mortensen stated that developing the tools for growth would now become even more critical for the industry. Outlining TFWA's plans to undertake a detailed consumer research programme, he emphasised that the Association intends to invest in research which will help the industry to develop further.
Andrew Ford's closing speech The audience was given an update on the World Health Organisation's proposed ban of duty free tobacco sales by Kevin Abbott, Chief Executive Alpha Airports Group who urged all those present to fight a threat which would damage the industry as a whole. This issue was further discussed at a Tobacco Workshop on Tuesday 23 October, jointly organised by DFNI and Duty Free Business.
In a lively and animated presentation, keynote speaker Chuck Martin, chairman and CEO of the Net Future Institute, enthralled the audience with an analysis of the impact that technology, and specifically the internet, is having on the business environment.
Attitudes of the delegates to e-commerce were later assessed in an interactive session using handheld polling devices moderated by Linda Hopkins, TFWA Conferences Manager, and Mr Martin. This revealed considerable optimism regarding growth of the business and indicated that executives were confident that the industry would recover from the aftermath of 11 September.
Read the 2004 World Exhibition programme | 
