A dynamic lion dance marked the start of the exhibition.

The 2026 edition of the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, which took place at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from 10-14 May, welcomed a total of 2,814 visitors from across the region and beyond.

This included visitors from a record 58 major airports, alongside representatives from leading airlines and cruise lines, which collectively accounted for 10% of attendees.

Duty-free and travel retail operators, both established and emerging, represented 30% of visitors whereas agents and distributors accounted for the largest share of attendees at 38%.

The show welcomed a final count of 200 exhibitors spanning all major categories, including 60 first-time exhibitors and emerging players, including 10 showcased in the new Launchpad venue, which was dedicated to niche and emerging beauty brands. See here for our video interview. 

The ONE2ONE programme facilitated 955 pre-scheduled meetings. Meanwhile, the Agora amphitheatre attracted 662 attendees for innovation-focused talks and pitch sessions.

“One of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference was the level of audience engagement throughout the event, particularly during the Agora sessions at World of Innovation,” said Franck Waechter, Managing Director, TFWA. “The conversations were dynamic, insightful and interactive, reflecting an industry eager to exchange ideas and embrace innovation.”

More than 1,000 guests attended the Welcome Cocktail hosted at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay.

Networking remained a cornerstone of the event, with the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge welcoming a combined total of more than 1,000 participants across Monday and Tuesday evenings.

The event programme also included a full house of more than 1,000 guests at the Welcome Cocktail hosted at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay and close to 450 guests for the TFWA Speakeasy Closing Event at Alkaff Mansion.

‘This year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference took place against a backdrop of significant geopolitical and economic uncertainty, with ongoing disruption to aviation, supply chains and traveller confidence across key markets. In that context, the strength of participation here in Singapore sends a clear signal about both the resilience of our industry and the strategic importance of the Asia Pacific region for the global industry,” said Sarah Branquinho, who marked her first show as TFWA President.

“The evolution of the exhibition format through the ‘Worlds’ structure, focused on creating a more efficient, platform, one that enables clearer navigation, more targeted engagement and stronger commercial outcomes at a time when businesses need to be precise in how they connect and operate. What we have seen this week is encouraging. Despite external pressures, the fundamentals of our industry remain strong, and Asia Pacific continues to offer significant scale, growth and opportunity.”

The Agora amphitheatre attracted 662 attendees.

This year’s new ‘Worlds’ concept grouped brands and partners into clearly defined sectors: World of Perfumes & Cosmetics, World of Fashion & Accessories, spanning electronics, travel accessories, gifts, toys, jewellery and watches, World of Wines & Spirits and World of Confectionery & Fine Food, alongside tobacco.

Other new platforms – the future-forward World of Innovation and the F&B focused Taste of the World – further amplified opportunities for participants to boost their business learnings and connections.

Left: The live cooking show by chef Akira Back. Right: Inside he vibrant new Taste of the World platform. 

Plans are already underway for the next edition of the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, which will return to Singapore from 9-13 of May 2027.

Key 2026 figures at a glance

Overall attendance
2,814 total visitors
955 pre-scheduled meetings via ONE2ONE
1,054 guests at the Welcome Cocktail
1,027 attendees in total at the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge
449 guests at the TFWA Speakeasy Closing Event
662 attendees at the Agora
652 attendees at Taste of the World
931 attendees at World of Innovation

Visitors
77% of visitors from Asia
11% of visitors from Europe
6% of visitors from Middle-East
3% of visitors from America
3% of visitors from Oceania

By country (Top 10): Singapore, China, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, UAE, Malaysia, Japan, India, UK and Indonesia

By activity
Agent / Distributor: 38%
Duty free & travel retail operator: 30%
Other Trade visitors & guests: 14%
Landlord: 10%
Supplier / Brand: 7%
Press & media: 1%

Exhibitors
200 exhibitors
60 new exhibitors of which 10 showcased in Launchpad

Exhibiting breakdown by category
Perfumes & Cosmetics: 30%
Wine, Spirits, Beers & Non-alcoholic Beverages: 32%
Confectionery, Fine Food & Food Supplements: 15%
Fashion, Accessories, Sunglasses & Luggage: 8%
Electronics & Travel Accessories: 5%
Gifts, Toys, Souvenirs & Home: 5%
Jewellery, Watches & Writing Instrum

Stay close to TRBusiness for more on-location coverage.

READ NEXT: TFWA APEC: Ricola targets regional growth with Kuala Lumpur hub

READ NEXT: Mars Wrigley ITR brings M&M’S Experience concept to Asia at KLIA

READ NEXT: TFWA APAC: Cartwright & Butler targets Asia growth after strong GTR year

READ NEXT: TFWA APAC: Valrhona & Villars sharpen focus on Asia gifting & self-indulgence

READ NEXT: APAC’s $120 duty-free beauty customer: What they’re seeking and how to deliver