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The Asia Pacific region continues to lead the global duty free & travel retail industry, both in terms of size and dynamism. Yet growth has slowed compared with recent years, and the political and economic climate would appear fragile. The free movement of people, and stable diplomatic relations between nations, cannot be considered givens. In these circumstances, how can our industry in Asia regain the growth levels enjoyed a few short years ago?
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Plenary session 1: Re-igniting our industry
This year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Conference was themed Reigniting our industry, and explored the implications of the current political and economic environment for travel, tourism and related markets. Delegates heard from thought leaders from within and beyond the industry, with the opportunity to debate the issues that will shape the immediate future of duty free and travel retail. The Conference featured two plenary sessions during the morning, followed by three themed, simultaneous workshops after lunch. At the close of the conference at 16:00, delegates were invited to attend an informal networking session and enjoy the refreshments provided.
Erik Juul-Mortensen
President, Tax Free World Association
At a time when established norms are being challenged as never before, the factors on which our industry depends – political and trading stability, free movement and consumer confidence – appear under threat. TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen looked at the implications for our industry in Asia Pacific, exploring recent developments in the market and assessing the prospects for growth.
Jaya Singh
President, Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association
The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) is active in defending the interests of the regional industry. President Jaya Singh updated delegates on the key issues facing the business in Asia Pacific, touching on efforts to define and communicate its economic value to the wider travel industry.
Our keynote speakers this year explored how businesses can drive growth amid a changeable political and economic climate.
Anil Gupta
Author, commentator and member of the World Economic Forum
Professor Anil Gupta is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on strategy and globalization. Author of several acclaimed books including The Quest for Global Dominance, Getting China and India Right and The Silk Road Rediscovered, he is one of the world’s most influential management thinkers. He explored the rise of Asia at a time of global flux, examining the economic and geopolitical factors that will affect the region’s future growth. He also addressed advances in technology, and their influence on tomorrow’s consumer.
Rafidah Aziz
Former Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Chairman of AirAsiaX
Rafidah Aziz served as Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry for 21 years from 1987 to 2008, and is regarded as an authority on regional and global trade. As the world enters a period of intense, delicate negotiations between nations and trading blocs, she examined the future for regional economic integration, and assessed the implications for trade and free movement.
Plenary session 2: Re-igniting our industry
In this session of the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, delegates heard from senior retail executives on how the current economic climate is affecting consumption trends, and on how brands and operators can cooperate to deliver durable growth. The session looked at retail trends on domestic and travel markets, courtesy of a high-level line-up of distinguished speakers.
Porter Erisman
Former Vice President at Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group.
Having joined Alibaba in 2000 and going on to play a key role in the company’s development, he has a unique insight into one of the retail world’s greatest success stories.
Andrea Belardini
The CEO, Asia, Middle East and Africa of the world’s biggest travel retailer, Dufry.
Andrea addressed recent developments in the regional duty free market, outlining how his company is adapting its approach to cater to Asian customers’ changing needs and expectations.
Both morning plenary sessions was moderated by John Rimmer, Conference, Research and Corporate Affairs Director, Tax Free World Association.
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