Asia Pacific’s shifting fundamentals

Major markets face daunting challenges, yet traveller spend and passenger traffic give grounds for hope. TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2025 (11 – 15 May in Singapore) comes at a crucial time for DF&TR’s lead region.

Mixed messages

For many, the news from Asia Pacific is cause for concern. China’s ailing economy has damaged consumer confidence, leading to a projected 20% drop in luxury consumption according to a recent Bain & Company report. Meanwhile, South Korea’s duty free market faced a -22% year-on-year fall in H1 average spend, based on figures from the Korea Duty Free Association. Contrast those negative pointers with a 55% rise in concession income at Airports of Thailand for the year ending in September, more than double the growth of passenger traffic though the country’s terminals. And DidaTravel noted surging Chinese outbound travel during Golden Week, with trip bookings within Asia Pacific up 77% over last year and almost tripling for the Americas.

Time to talk

Such volatility highlights the fundamental shifts currently at play in the region’s DF&TR markets. The 2025 edition of TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference will give industry executives a valuable opportunity to compare notes and discuss strategy, not least during the week’s networking events. These begin with the Welcome Cocktail (19:30 local time on Sunday) at the Flower Dome in the beautiful Gardens by the Bay and continue in the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge (18:00 - 21:00, Monday to Wednesday inclusive) on Level 4 of the Marina Bay Sands venue. Enhanced catering will elevate the experience for delegates as they chat with colleagues and share a drink after the day’s work.

Navigating change

The summit’s more formal events will yield valuable perspectives on adapting to change in this vital geography. The Conference consistently attracts some of the region’s leading voices on business and politics, while two workshops will tackle topics of immediate relevance to DF&TR professionals. And the programme includes the industry’s largest exhibition in Asia Pacific, featuring global brands alongside regional players and emerging names. TFWA’s One2One bespoke meeting service will be there, as will TFWA i.lab Asia, showcasing the latest in traveller-focused innovation. Delegates will also see a fresh look to the registration and rest areas, TFWA One2One Lounge and Press Centre thanks to a new design scheme blending sustainability and visual appeal.

Event information

See the full event programme
Catch last year’s highlights with the Review
Watch the pitch sessions at the 2024 TFWA i.lab Asia on TFWA 365
Ask about sponsorship opportunities at this year’s summit