FRANCE/INTERNATIONAL. A record 7,015 visitors attended last week’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, an increase of +3% compared to 2017, according to organiser TFWA.
The key number, people representing duty free & travel retail operators (buyers), rose by +4% while the number of travel retail companies attending climbed by +6%, said TFWA. The number of visiting landlords grew by +15%.
An extension of the Beach Village saw exhibition floor space increase to 22,759sq m, up from 22,607sq m last year. The number of exhibitors also grew slightly from 514 in 2017 to 516, across 496 stands compared with 490 last year. Of these, 50 exhibitors were new or returning to the event, while 14 official boats were moored in Harbour Village.
The opening conference was attended by 1,676 delegates, up +2% on last year. On Tuesday morning, the Digital Focus Workshop attracted 310 attendees, surpassing the turnout of 237 attendees at last year’s event. The Inflight Focus Workshop, held on Wednesday morning, was attended by 243 delegates compared with 195 last year.
The TFWA Digital Village housed 32 exhibitors and 1,349 visitors passed through the doors. The TFWA Digital Village Pitch Corner – a new addition to the show – allowed delegates to hear directly from exhibitors who took to the podium during four sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. The new TFWA app was downloaded by 3,276 delegates during the event, said TFWA.
The social events taking place around the exhibition and conference were well supported, said TFWA. The golf tournament, held in partnership with Qatar Duty Free and sponsored by Dr Irena Eris, American Crew and WanderSafe, saw 80 keen golfers compete at the Royal Mougins Golf Club, while 40 sailing enthusiasts took part in the annual regatta, sponsored by Paul & Shark. The TFWA Charity Run saw 99 runners, joggers and walkers complete a course along La Croisette to raise vital funds for local charity SAMU Social of Cannes. 100 players also entered the pétanque tournament, while 41 people joined two yoga sessions sponsored by Rituals.
The Opening Cocktail at the Carlton Beach on Sunday saw a total of 1,664 guests mark the start of the conference and exhibition. Le Premium Evening closed off the social events programme, with 809 guests attending a performance from Broadway stars The Illusionists and cuisine from renowned chef Romain Gandolphe.
Outgoing TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “These figures demonstrate the strength of our industry, and are definitely indicative of the sentiment here in Cannes this week. It’s very gratifying to have seen so many people over the past few days, and I look forward to seeing many of them again next month at the MEADFA Conference in Beirut.”
