INTERNATIONAL. The Virtual Travel Retail Expo, set to take place on 11-15 October is gaining rapid momentum in terms of exhibitors, registrants and a power-packed Knowledge Hub programme. There is still time to reserve exhibition space but reservations close next week.
Expo hosts The Moodie Davitt Report and FILTR.QINGWA, together with co-organiser Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development (IEDB), are delighted to welcome back global eyewear specialist Rodenstock.
Director Global Retail and International Key Accounts Eyewear Lucas Gestin said: “Rodenstock was proud to support the first Virtual Travel Retail Expo in 2020 and we were extremely glad that we did.
“The [2020] event was beneficial for us in a number of ways: reassuring our existing partners of Rodenstock’s commitment to the travel retail sector; introducing our sunglasses assortment to potential new partners; and benefitting from the qualitative and informative Knowledge Hub sessions.
Independent German drinks house Mast-Jägermeister, producer of the top-selling Jägermeister and the recent line extension Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee, also makes a welcome return. The company said, “We are very much looking forward to participating in the second year of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo with our brand Jähgermeister and showing the travel retail world our commitment to the industry.”
Molson Coors Beverage Company is another leading drinks company to be again participating in travel retail’s leading digital event. Molson Coors Travel Retail EMEA & APAC Senior Manager Mykola (Nick) Nogai said, “Molson Coors Beverage Company’s Travel Retail team are delighted to be taking part in the Moodie Davitt Virtual Expo again this year.
“We’re all learning how to effectively operate in this new climate, and so it is crucial to stay connected and take a united approach to drive growth in the travel retail sector. We look forward to spending this time together at the secondd Virtual Travel Retail Expo to strengthen our existing business relationships and form new collaborations.”
The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has also attracted some of the world’ leading retailers as both partners and exhibitors. As reported, China Duty Free Group (CDFG), China’s and the world’s number one travel retailer by sales in 2020*, was recently announced as the exclusive Strategic Cooperation Partner of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October. More major retailer announcements will be made in coming days.
CDFG will have its own dedicated digital area in the Expo, called CDFG City, where it will showcase some of its most exciting current and planned projects. A gateway presence to CDFG City will feature in both the Hainan Discovery zone and the Retailer Emporium.
The CDFG management, buying, branding and merchandising teams will be out in full force at the Expo, both in CDFG City and also visiting the various brand exhibitors. CDFG President Charles Chen will also deliver the morning keynote address in the Knowledge Hub on the first day of the Expo.
As reported, luxury travel retail specialist 2.0 & Partners has announced its participation in the upcoming Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where it plans to highlight its channel-specific services that aim to help partners rebuild and gear up for a post-pandemic recovery.
“To be returning to the Virtual Travel Retail Expo is the perfect way for us and the industry to really take our recovery to the next level,” commented 2.0 & Partners CEO Fabio Bernardini.
“We truly believe that building connections is how we will all emerge from this challenging time with an industry which is stronger, more innovative and more engaging than ever. Our shoppers have changed, and we must change with them. But no one person or company can do this alone.”
Rodenstock’s Gestin continued: “The Virtual Stand enabled us to showcase a flavour of our digital capability and the overall experience was very rewarding. So, it goes without saying, that in 2021 – with recovery now a reality – it makes sense for us to be back again, supporting a platform that is so user-friendly for a global audience.
“For us, travel retail is very much a global business and being able to connect with buyers in all regions is vital. Especially in these difficult and restrictive times such an innovative event is the only way to meet with our travel retail partners from around the world.”
2.0 & Partners Senior Executive Vice President Marco Passoni added, “This is not a time for holding back. Our industry needs bold and innovative strokes and a deep understanding of the latest trends to build a future which both our customers and our partners desire and deserve.
“We have big and complicated questions we must answer about the use of space, creating engagement for brands and providing a fresh, exciting offer for our customers. None of us can do this alone and we are looking forward to reconnecting with everyone at the Expo to see what future we can create together.”
Independent eyewear company Bravo Fashion also makes a welcome return to the Virtual Travel Retail Expo this year. Founder Terry Smith promises to wow attendees with style, innovation and true product diversity at its #Virtual Stand.
He said, “Bravo Fashion is very proud to be a Silver partner for the second year at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. Our participation shows that big is not always better. The diversity, quality, style, innovation and technology you get from a small company, you don’t get elsewhere. Bravo Fashion offers all of the above with great delivery and customer service too.
Lagardère Travel Retail China has also become a Platinum Partner and exhibitor within the Hainan Discovery zone.
Lagardère Travel Retail North Asia CEO Eudes Fabre said: “Lagardère Travel Retail is very pleased to take part in this year’s Virtual Travel Retail Expo with a special focus on China and Hainan. The travel retail and duty free markets in this part of the world present unprecedented opportunities which we look forward to developing with our partners.
“We believe the Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a great occasion to connect with all industry stakeholders and take a collaborative approach to promoting the growth and evolution of travel retail.”
Other retailers, airport companies, service providers and associations that have registered to attend in recent days include
- Bristol Airport
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
- Edinburgh Airport
- International Duty Free Shops (IDFS) Maroc
- Kansai Airports
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Travel Food Services
Underlining the cost efficiency of the virtual model, many retailers are bulk registering multiple members of their team. For example, a 30-strong management team from Ever Rich Duty Free in Taipei is attending the Expo. Ever Rich is also exhibiting in the Retailer Emporium.
