The return of TFWA Cannes was originally scheduled to take place from September 26 to 30.

The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has delayed the return of the World Exhibition and Conference in Cannes until October (24-28).

As reported at the start of the year, the Cannes showpiece was due to take place from Sunday 26-30 September.

TFWA says the decision to delay the event follows extensive consultation with members and local partners in Cannes and will allow maximum time for brands and visitors to prepare their participation.

The delay will also allow delegates to take full advantage of the positive developments in the health and travel situation in Europe and elsewhere, according to TFWA.

While TFWA will continue to monitor the situation closely, the Association noted that the steps taken by the French government to allow live events, the gradual re-opening of travel in Europe and the hard work undertaken by the City of Cannes to ensure a safe and secure environment, gives it the confidence to ‘work relentlessly’ to reunite the industry in October.

POSITIVE RESPONSE TO HOSTED BUYER PROGRAMME

Response to the Hosted Buyer Programme launched by TFWA last week, has been very positive, indicated the Association, with many retailers worldwide expressing their intention to attend the event.

Retailers have until the end of May to register for the programme. Regular TFWA World Exhibition and Conference exhibitors will be contacted shortly with full details of the event.

Last month, the TFWA revealed to TRBusiness that it planned to offer a rebate to World Exhibition and Conference Exhibitors this year (should the Cannes event take place) subject to the Association exceeding forecast revenue expectations.

According to a recent industry flash survey conducted by TRBusiness *data of which has been extrapolated in further detail by leading Swiss research firm m1nd-set, three quarters of DF&TR industry stakeholders would attend this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference presuming the flagship trade show in Cannes went ahead as planned.

Of the 279 survey participants, more than two fifths (47%) indicated they would attend as a visitor and just under one third (29%) would take exhibition space.

Three quarters of DF&TR industry stakeholders, who participated in the TRBusiness industry flash survey indicated they would attend this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes if it went ahead as planned.

Jaya Singh, President, TFWA said: “There is no doubt that the return to live events is eagerly awaited by everyone in our business and there’s a huge amount of excitement about the return of our industry’s flagship event, the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. The desire among exhibitors and buyers to meet in person to help revive our market is very clear.

“Our permanent staff, Management Committee and Board have been working tirelessly with the team at the Palais des Festivals and the City of Cannes to arrange the best timing that will be beneficial to all. By selecting an end of October slot for this essential diary date for travel retail professionals, we plan to give our members and their business partners more time to prepare for a successful show.

“With the industry’s support, TFWA is determined to deliver a world-class platform that will allow us to establish new business foundations as we move towards recovery.”

*Percentages rounded to the nearest whole number.