TFWA reschedules World Exhibition & Conference for 24-28 October in Cannes

Jaya Singh: “By selecting an end of October slot for this essential diary date for travel retail professionals, we plan to give our members and their business partners more time to prepare”

FRANCE/INTERNATIONAL. Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has announced new dates of 24-28 October for its flagship TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes.

The TFWA Management Committee approved a recommendation by the board today, saying the decision followed “extensive consultation with members and local partners in Cannes”. The event was originally scheduled for 26-30 September.

TFWA added that the decision “will allow maximum time for brands and visitors to best prepare their participation, and allow delegates to take full advantage of the positive developments in the health and travel situation in Europe and elsewhere.”

The association added that the latest steps taken by the French government to allow live events, the gradual reopening of travel in Europe, plus the work undertaken by the City of Cannes to ensure a safe and secure environment, gives it confidence that the event can take place.

Response to the Hosted Buyer Programme, launched by TFWA last week, has been “very positive” according to the association, with many retailers around the world expressing their intention to attend the event. Retailers have until the end of May to register for the programme.

TFWA President Jaya Singh said: “There is no doubt that the return to live events is eagerly awaited by everyone in our business, and there’s a huge amount of excitement about the return of our industry’s flagship event, TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. The desire among exhibitors and buyers to meet in person to help revive our market is very clear.

“Our permanent staff, Management Committee and Board have been working tirelessly with the team at the Palais des Festivals and the City of Cannes to arrange the best timing that will be beneficial to all. By selecting an end of October slot for this essential diary date for travel retail professionals, we plan to give our members and their business partners more time to prepare for a successful show. With the industry’s support, TFWA is determined to deliver a world-class platform that will allow us to establish new business foundations as we move towards recovery.”

As a result of today’s announcement, The Moodie Davitt Report will update partners shortly on the timing and format of the Virtual Travel Retail Experience, scheduled for 18-22 October.

Click here for our recent coverage of a TFWA media briefing on its Cannes and Hainan Special Edition events.

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