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SINGAPORE. The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has taken the seemingly inevitable and appropriate decision to cancel the upcoming TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference due to the escalating COVID-19 outbreak.
The decision to call off the event, due to take place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre 10-14 May, was made by TFWA Board & Management Committee members today. The vote was unanimous.
The Management Committee took into account the need to ensure the health and safety of the TFWA’s customers, staff and all who attend the event; it also noted that certain key nationalities are currently subject to immigration restrictions in Singapore, with further travel restrictions possible, the association said.
A TFWA Management Committee member told The Moodie Davitt Report: “We’re all saddened. But we know it is the right and responsible choice.”
TFWA President Alain Maingreaud added: “This is not a decision that we wanted to take, nor is it one the Board and Management Committee has taken lightly. However, we feel that cancelling the event is the best and most responsible course of action, given the health crisis that has spread throughout the world, and the huge impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our market.
“We trust that our customers and business partners, especially in Asia Pacific, will understand our decision and accept that it has been taken with the best interests of the industry, and those who serve it, in mind. We remain fully committed to our mission to provide the duty free & travel retail industry with a platform to prosper, and we will return to Asia Pacific in 2021 with renewed vigour and confidence in our industry’s resilience and capacity for reinvention.”
As with all event organisers (including The Moodie Davitt Report, which was forced to postpone its Airport Food & Beverage Conference & Awards in Istanbul from June until September), the TFWA found itself in an invidious position in weighing up the options of deferring a decision, postponing or cancelling.
The move comes days after The Moodie Davitt Report revealed The 2020 Duty Free & Travel Retail Summit of the Americas, due to be held on 30 March-2 April in Orlando, would be cancelled.
Footnote: Unlike other trade media, The Moodie Davitt Report is not the recipient of TFWA advertising. That is as a result of our criticism of the choice of Tony Blair as the keynote speaker at last year’s TFWA conference in Cannes. We maintain an entirely neutral, and in this case supportive, voice on TFWA decisions.
| Reaction to the TFWA Asia Pacific cancellation “We’re all saddened. But we know it is the right and responsible choice.” – TFWA Management Committee member “The right call, expressed in the right way.” – The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie “I don’t believe TFWA really had a choice here, particularly against the backdrop of indefinite travel restrictions into Singapore from certain TR-vital countries.” – Art Miller, Board Director, Business Founder & Project Consultant – Consumer Products & Services “Sad, sad, sad. On a personal note this was supposed to be my last Singapore show, now 2019 was the last one without me knowing :-(. Anyway Wednesday afternoon in Cannes on the Danzka stand – big farewell and big hug time!! – Pencil it!!” – Torben Vedel Andersen, Global Sales Director, Danzka Vodka, Behn Group “Absolutely right decision but a tough one at that!” – Fiona Rayner, Head of Experiential & International, Blackjack Promotions “What a bummer! But what could we do?” – TFWA Management Committee member “It is sad to see as it is such a productive event, but the right call. Would be good now to make a ‘super Cannes’ to cover all of the outstanding business planned for Orlando, Singapore and the other fairs.” – Adrian Pittaway, Head of Retail, MSC Cruises “Thank you for your understanding and neutral coverage. We realise you are only doing your job in reporting such bad news. It is an unprecedented situation for us and there are no easy choices. Please understand.” – TFWA Board Member “Sad for the TR industry players but for the safety of everyone, this is understandable. Travel retail will come out of this stronger. Jia You.” – Patricia Sim, Regional Merchandise Manager, DFS Singapore Venture “We’re going to miss hosting you all this year!” – Chris Morriss, Director and Partner, Concourse “Brave but very correct. Let’s stay positive!” – Scott Hamilton, “Not an easy decision definitely.” – Subash Adwani, Chairman & Managing Director, Parfraindo Utama (Indonesia) “Disappointed that the best trade show for the travel retail industry is cancelled, but the difficult decision that TFWA has made is the correct one.” – John Woodhouse, Managing Director and Partner, Schäfer Airport Retail Source: Moodie Davitt Business Intelligence Unit |
“Correct decision for now. Sorry to the organisation and vendors.” – John Garner, industry consultant and long-time DFASS Deputy Chairman