Wednesday, May 21, 2025
TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference has emerged as a key in the travel retail industry, showcasing a powerful platform for leading global retailers and some of Asia’s busiest airports. The event continues to set new benchmarks, with significant participation from top names such as China Duty Free, Avolta, and Heinemann, as well as key airports like Tokyo Haneda, Delhi Indira Gandhi, Singapore Changi, and Hong Kong International Airport. This dynamic gathering attracts a high calibre of industry professionals, creating ample opportunities for networking, business meetings, and gaining invaluable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of travel retail.
The TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference continues to be a cornerstone event for the travel retail industry, offering a dynamic platform that brings together key players from across Asia and beyond. The exhibition attracts leading industry players like China Duty Free, Avolta, and Heinemann, alongside top global retailers and representatives from some of Asia’s busiest airports. Notable representatives from Tokyo Haneda, Delhi Indira Gandhi, Singapore Changi, and Hong Kong International Airport were present, underscoring the importance of this event in the global travel retail sector.
One of the key highlights of this year’s exhibition was the remarkable surge in business meetings, a testament to the industry’s drive for growth and collaboration. A total of 1,100 meetings were scheduled via the ONE2ONE meeting service, marking a significant 20% increase from the previous year. The success of these meetings was further enhanced by the introduction of personalized follow-up processes, which helped minimize the number of no-shows. This increase in meeting activity reflects the growing demand for networking and business development in the travel retail space.
Workshop attendance also saw a substantial rise this year, with a nearly 50% increase in participation. The Market Watch: China workshop attracted an impressive gathering of 319 participants, highlighting the region’s crucial influence in driving the evolution of the travel retail sector. This was followed by another well-attended session on India, which drew 237 participants. In 2024, these two workshops had been attended by 222 and 151 delegates, respectively, so this year’s turnout signifies a notable growth in interest. The impressive attendance figures suggest that industry professionals are increasingly eager to stay informed about emerging trends in key markets.
In terms of regional representation, 78% of the attendees were from Asia, highlighting the importance of this exhibition as a regional event. Among the participants, thirty-nine percent represented travel retail operators, airport authorities, and property owners, whereas forty percent comprised agents and distributors. These statistics reflect the broad spectrum of professionals who recognize the exhibition as a valuable resource for insights and partnerships within the travel retail industry.
The exhibition floor was a vibrant hub of activity, with 216 companies showcasing their products across 205 stands. Among the exhibitors were 54 brands that were either new to the exhibition or making a return after a hiatus, including the Japanese whiskey brand Nikka. This influx of new and returning brands indicates a healthy, expanding industry that is increasingly attracting innovative products and services.
The quality of visitors was also enhanced this year, thanks to a tightening of the pre-qualification process. This ensured that only relevant, high-caliber industry professionals attended, adding to the overall quality and value of the event. This rigor in the pre-qualification process demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the exhibition’s status as a premium event for travel retail.
Networking continues to be a key component of the event, with a wide range of networking opportunities available throughout the exhibition. The TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge proved to be a favorite destination after hours, welcoming more than fifteen hundred visitors. Its revamped layout, featuring increased seating capacity and expanded space, created a comfortable and sophisticated environment for guests to unwind. Visitors had the chance to enjoy a variety of foods while mingling with industry peers in an informal setting, fostering meaningful connections and discussions. Special events, including an airports’ gathering and a Women in Travel Retail reception, were held in the lounge, making it a focal point for networking during the event.
The Sunday evening Welcome Cocktail held at Gardens by the Bay stood out as a memorable highlight of the occasion. Over 1,200 guests attended this prestigious gathering, enjoying the stunning setting and a variety of entertainment. The upgraded design of the exhibition halls also played a significant role in enhancing the overall experience, creating a more contemporary and premium feel for the event. The exhibition space was adorned with striking floral arrangements and live trees, and the atmospheric lighting in tranquil blues and greens transported guests into an ‘Enchanted Garden’ for the Welcome Cocktail. These thoughtful design elements helped create a unique and memorable ambiance that perfectly complemented the high-level business discussions taking place.
TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference continues to be a premier platform for global retailers and top Asian airports, showcasing key industry players like China Duty Free, Avolta, and Heinemann. The event highlights increasing participation and offers significant opportunities for networking and business growth in travel retail.
The TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference continues to solidify its role as a leading event in the travel retail industry, providing unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and business growth. With increased participation, an expanded range of workshops, and a heightened focus on creating a premium experience for all attendees, the exhibition remains at the forefront of the industry. As travel retail businesses look to recover and grow in a post-pandemic world, the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference will continue to serve as an essential platform for collaboration and innovation in the global travel retail landscape.
