TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference maintains its reputation as the leading travel retail trade event for the region

The show continues to provide an invaluable platform for travel retail businesses from across Asia and beyond, with 16 of the top twenty global retailers including China Duty Free, Avolta and Heinemann, as well as the majority of the top Asian airports, including Tokyo Haneda, Delhi Indira Ghandi, Singapore Changi and Hong Kong International Airport, represented.

As ever, scheduling business meetings was a top priority for most attendees, and a record 1,100 meetings were scheduled via the ONE2ONE meeting service, an increase of 20% on last year, while the implementation of additional personalised follow-up processes led to a significant reduction in the number of no-shows. 

Attendendence at the workshops was up by nearly half (49%). It was ‘standing room only’ in the Market Watch: China workshop, which was attended by 319 delegates, and a substantial 237 attendees came to the session on India. This is a considerable increase on last year; in 2024 the two workshops were attended by 222 and 151 delegates respectively. Over three quarters of all visitors (78%) were from the Asian region. Over a third (39%) of those attending were travel retail operators, airports and landlords, and 40% were agents or distributors. 

A total of 216 companies exhibited on 205 stands. Among these were 54 brands who are new to the exhibition (including Japanese whiskey brand Nikka) or returning after an absence. 

Beyond the numbers, a tightening of the already rigorous pre-qualification process ensured that all visitors were relevant industry professionals of high calibre. 

A programme of networking events was, as usual, well appreciated. There were over 1,500 entries to the after-work TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge, while additional seating and more space, together with the chance to enjoy a selection of foods, contributed to an elevated guest experience and a relaxed ambiance. The location of a number of special events including an airports’ gathering and a Women in Travel Retail reception, the lounge was busy across all days of the week. 1,200 people came to the Welcome Cocktail at the Gardens by the Bay on Sunday night. 

Across the event, upgraded design created a truly premium experience. A softer, more contemporary ‘look and feel’ to the exhibition halls evoked a genuine sense of place, while stunning floral arrangements including striking live trees and atmospheric lighting in tranquil blues and greens at Welcome Cocktail transported guests to an ‘Enchanted Garden’. 

Commenting at the end of the week, TFWA president Philippe Margueritte said; “TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference has always been an effective channel for brands from the US, Europe and the Middle East looking to build their presence in a burgeoning market. The presence of a growing number of local brands shows that it is also viewed by regional names as a springboard to the global market, as well as an opportunity for these companies to raise their profile in their own home territories. The debut of new brands at the show and the large numbers attending both formal sessions and networking events goes to show that the region undoubtedly retains its position of huge importance to our industry. 

“With 3,039 visitors, our numbers are indeed slightly down from last year. But in a climate of uncertainty that isn’t helpful to any sector, and political unrest such as the situation between India and Pakistan that prevented many delegates from India from attending, it’s been gratifying to welcome so many of travel retail’s senior decision makers to Singapore. Without any doubt, serious business has been done this week - people were here to make decisions and get deals done. 

“As an association whose guiding principle is ‘by the trade for the trade’, we have always striven to deliver the best value to our members. We do this by regularly canvassing their views and then innovating and investing to ensure we continue to meet their changing requirements. For Cannes this year, we have a number of new elements planned to ensure the show is even more relevant and has even greater draw as by far the most important date in the travel retail calendar.” 

“The week’s been busy and we’ve had meetings from the start to the end of the day. We’ve been very satisfied with the number of meetings but also the quality of meetings, which is a particular strength of the Singapore event. We’ve had great feedback from clients on the innovations we’re showing here.” 
Guillaume Voisin, Head of Sales, Global Travel Retail, Ferrero 

“We’ve had a substantial number of meetings over the exhibition, and as a first-time exhibitor, we’ve found it a very positive experience. For brand looking to expand in the region, it’s also a good opportunity to start building partnerships with local partners to help achieve those ambitions.” 
Ralph Bou Nader, General Manager, Arabian Oud 

“It’s important for us to be here as a brand that’s new to travel retail, which is a channel that presents a wealth of opportunities for companies like ours.” 
Dorian Wiegand, Senior Key Account Manager and Team Lead International Sales, Hunter 

“This exhibition is unique in the travel retail industry in the Asian region. We’re very pleased to be here.” 
Shelly Huang, General Manager, Waytone