If any doubts linger about the size and durability of the recovery in cross-border travel, IATA’s doubling of its 2023 profit forecast for global airlines should dispel them. The trade body now projects airline profits of $9.8bn this year, up from its previous $4.7bn estimate in December, boosted by strong results from carriers. This upbeat assessment echoes positive traffic updates from airports including Hamad International, Frankfurt and Hong Kong International in recent weeks. Not every new passenger is necessarily a shopper of course, but even if penetration remains unchanged, travel retailer revenues will rise.
Reflecting this growth, plans are in hand to expand and upgrade this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes. The 2022 edition saw a sharp rise in attendance and the Association intends to build on that with the addition of a new exhibitor area, the Majestic Beach Village, for 2023. This significant increase in available floorspace will help accommodate a rich mix of returning and first-time exhibitors across all product categories. At the same time, TFWA i.lab will continue to evolve. In 2019, DF&TR’s innovation showcase occupied a dedicated area on the concourse in front of the Palais des Festivals. 2021 saw it adopt a virtual format online at TFWA365, before moving inside the Palais last year. This year, TFWA i.lab will be even closer to the Exhibition’s heart at a new location in the Golden Village. In addition, sponsorship packages will be available on a sector-exclusive basis.
Other developments at the global summit include the provision of new services aimed at increasing the flow of delegates to the basement on Level -1 of the Palais, already the busiest part of the venue. Details of an enhanced networking programme will be revealed soon. And visitors to Cannes this year may notice some new initiatives aimed at making the Exhibition even more accessible and attractive to buyers, news of which will be released over the summer. Pre-registration for TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2023 is open online at tfwa.com until 7 September. You can book your place via the link below.
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