SINGAPORE/INTERNATIONAL. The 25th Tax Free World Association (TFWA) Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, staged last week at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore (7-11 May), recorded 3,029 visitors. The number is approximately 90% of the 2019 level, which was itself a record year.
The total of representatives from duty free and travel retail operators and landlords stood at 1,291, up by +4% on 2019. Monday’s conference achieved a full house with 1,572 delegates, a record attendance.
The exhibition attracted 200 exhibitors (61 one of them appearing for the first time), covering a floor space of 8,469sq m.
Innovation was a key focus at the event, with TFWA i.lab Asia making its debut in Singapore. The ideas hub had a dedicated area on Level 1 and gave delegates the opportunity to find out more about new initiatives shaping the future of the travel retail industry.
Meanwhile, the TFWA ONE2ONE meeting service facilitated a total of 678 on-site meetings across the week.
The opening cocktail event, staged at the Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, attracted 1,016 guests. Over 500 guests visited the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge each evening.
TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of the 25th TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference. Feedback from exhibitors has been that the quality of the audience has been exceptional, with a strong representation from Asia, Middle East and indeed the world.
“As usual, our team worked hard to ensure the delivery of a successful event for all attendees, and we are grateful for the support from all of our partners and sponsors.
“We are already looking forward to next year’s event, and once again we’ll be planning to bring together the best and brightest in our industry. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. See you in Cannes.”
The 2024 event will take place from 12-16 May, once again at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
View extended highlights from the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference in words and pictures, brought to you by The Moodie Davitt Report team, here. 
