Consumers in a Changing World - The State of the Travel Retail Industry Erik Juul-Mortensen, TFWA President
"The State of the Travel Retail Industry"
One year on from the Sept. 11th events that changed our world, the travel retail industry has posted remarkable performance. This opening address explored the impact developments in 2001 have had on the industry and identified the key challenges that face retailers and suppliers trading in a changing world.
"Insights into the Minds of Travelling Consumers" What really motivates a traveller to enter a travel retail store? Are there identifiable motivations for purchasing once in the shop? A landmark study of Western Europeans--the world's most mature travel market--delivered fresh insights into what drives the travel retail industry. The results illustrate the impact of the travel experience on consumer behaviour within the shopping venue, exploring factors of stress, fatigue and security, as well as concepts of reward, luxury and leisure. . . delivered in a unique and dynamic presentation style.
"The Changing World" The Rt. Hon. John Major, CH, former Prime Minister of Great Britain
Former Prime Minister of Great Britain John Major offered observations on the current state of global politics from his unique vantage point. With the arrival of the 21st century national economies have become more interdependent as a result of the influence of technology. Which nations will be the global political and economic leaders? What will be the affect of the common European currency and how will that new market place evolve? Mr. Major reflected on these and other issues, offering delegates a view of the industry's place within the global community. An astute economist who held positions as chief secretary of the treasury and chancellor of the exchequer before becoming Prime Minister, Mr. Major is one of the most distinguished figures in the international arena. The author of the bestseller John Major: The Autobiography, he uses real-life examples to illustrate visionary ideas.
Important tobacco workshop at Cannes Moderated by Doug Newhouse
Keith Spinks from the International Travel Retail Confederation (ITRC) and Jon Kent from the International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) were the key presenters at an important workshop in Cannes to update the industry on the lobbying progress made against the proposed abolition of duty free tobacco allowances by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The update was particularly timely, since the next round of WHO negotiations on the subject in Geneva began the week before the Tax Free World Exhibition and these talks were scheduled to run through the Cannes week itself.
The workshop was held at 09.00am in the Palais de Festivales complex (auditorium room to be announced) on Wednesday October 23 and both associations stressed that it was important that industry executives attend.
According to Spinks it had already been noted at the WHOs regional meetings in Africa and Asia (held earlier this month) that the battle was hotting up. Both of these regions had called for the reinstatement of the motion for a complete ban on duty free tobacco, rather than the latest text which called for "progressively restricting with a view to prohibition".
Speaking to The Business, Spinks said: "The industry continues to lobby heavily in opposition to any proposal on duty free and the workshop will also provide an important opportunity to discuss the industrys next steps in the run up to the WHOs decision deadline of May 2003. I strongly urge everyone to attend."
Tax Free World Association (TFWA) had kindly volunteered the use of the auditorium and The Business' Managing Editor Doug Newhouse had agreed to moderate the workshop.
Read the 2004 World Exhibition programme | 
