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SINGAPORE. The global duty free industry has applauded the Tax Free World Association’s (TFWA) decision to cancel the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference.
As reported, the association’s Board & Management Committee today (5 March) took the seemingly inevitable though invidious decision to cancel the Singapore show due to the escalating COVID-19 outbreak. That decision was unanimous, according to sources.
One TFWA Management Committee Member told The Moodie Davitt Report the whole committee was “saddened” but knew the decision was “the right and responsible choice”.
A member of the TFWA Board added: “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.”
Figures across the travel retail industry have voiced their support of the decision.
DFS Singapore Venture Regional Merchandise Manager Patricia Sim said: “It’s sad for the travel retail industry players, but for the safety of everyone, this is understandable. Travel retail will come out of this stronger.”
Lagardère Travel Retail Asia Business Director of Spirits, Wines & Beers Scott Hamilton said the cancellation was “brave but very correct”. He added: “Let’s stay positive.”
Industry consultant and long-time DFASS Deputy Chairman John Garner billed it as the “correct decision”.
Essential Parfums Founder Géraldine Archambauldt echoed this, saying: “Really sad but this was the only decision possible.”
The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie added: “It’s the right decision by the TFWA Management Committee and Board. Travel retail will rebound, but for now it is all about hunkering down.”
MSC Cruises Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway said the cancellation of the Singapore show, as well as the Duty Free & Travel Retail Summit of the Americas, should see a ‘super Cannes’ take place in the autumn to make up for the outstanding business from the cancelled shows. “It is sad to see [Singapore cancelled], as it is such a productive event, but the right call,” he added.
Singapore-headquartered Concourse Display Management Director & Partner Chris Morriss said: “We’re going to miss hosting you all this year!”
| 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 “Correct decision for now. Sorry to the organisation and vendors.” – John Garner, industry consultant and long-time DFASS Deputy Chairman “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, Business Director (Spirits, Wine & Beer), Lagardère Travel Retail “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 |
