Tax Free World Association (TFWA) president Erik Juul-Mortensen has confirmed that 88 brands will exhibit for the first time at its upcoming TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, or return after an absence.

The 2023 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference takes place from 1-5 October at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

Double Pulitzer Prize recipient Bob Woodward has been named as a conference keynote speaker, alongside Pippa Malmgren and Erin Mayer. Juul-Mortensen will also give a state of the industry address.

In total, more than 400 exhibitors from across the GTR category spectrum will attend the event.

Confirmed delegates include representatives from China Duty Free Group, Dufry, Gebr. Heinemann, Duty Free Americas, Heathrow Airport, Lagardère Travel Retail, The Shilla Duty Free, Changi Airport Group, Lotte Duty Free and more, the Association said.

Speaking ahead of the event, Juul-Mortensen said the participation of “some of the most prominent names in the industry” confirms the World Exhibition’s status as “the leading event in the duty free and travel retail calendar”.

Erik Juul-Mortensen: ‘Even more space’

He continued: “We will be welcoming world-famous brands and many regular exhibitors along with 88 new and returning participants across all product categories.

“In 2023, we have even more fabulous space to enjoy, including the newly added Majestic Beach Village, and the exhibition will span more than 25,000 square metres, which is a record for this event. 

“Early indications are that the industry has lost none of its enthusiasm for joining us in Cannes, and we’re also expecting visitor numbers to reach or even exceed 2019 levels.”

Juul-Mortensen added that he thought this year’s edition of the event would “set new standards”.

“With such a remarkable line-up of participants, operators attending with larger delegations than ever and sparked by the energy that is unique to this event, this will be a show that will set new standards in the industry,” he said.

“Thank you for your continued support of the industry, and we look forward to welcoming you for another great week on the Côte d’Azur!”

Networking and social events for the week include a wheelchair rugby tournament, organised by m1nd-set and supported by Puressentiel, the City of Cannes, TFWA, TRBusiness and fellow trade media title DFNI on the Sunday morning.

Event badge holders are invited to attend the Opening Cocktail at Carlton Beach from 19:00 on the same day.

The TFWA Lounge makes will also return, offering post-business and night-time sessions from 18:30-21:00 and 22:00-01:00.

Preview coverage of the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference is available in the October edition of TRBusiness, available from the press racks at the Palais des Festivals, and online soon.