Gebr. Heinemann secures 10-year retail concession with Scandlines

Gebr Heinemann Scandlines concession 2026 — Image Credit: Gebr. Heinemann

Gebr. Heinemann is deepening its collaboration with Danish-German ferry company Scandlines, having secured a new agreement to manage onboard retail on six ferries, along with two ‘BorderShops’ in the German ports of Puttgarden and Rostock.

The new concession agreement (which is subject to regulatory approvals) will run for ten years. Up until now, Gebr. Heinemann has served as a key supplier to Scandlines.

“With this new contract, we are building on the foundation of our long-standing cooperation to further enhance the shopping experience through our travel retail expertise,” noted Gebr. Heinemann Co-CEO and Co-Owner Max Heinemann.

“These shops hold great potential, and we look forward to welcoming the teams into the Heinemann family.”

Scandlines CEO Eric Grégoire commented: “This is a major milestone in Scandlines’ history. We are excited to take the shopping and travel experience of our customers and passengers to an even higher level together with Gebr. Heinemann.”

Gebr Heinemann Scandlines BorderShop 2026 — Image Credit: Gebr. Heinemann

He added: “We share many core values with Gebr. Heinemann, which was a key factor in choosing our partner, because our stores are so important to our customers and passengers. Scandlines plans to sail for many decades to come, so this is the right step to future-proof our business.”

Peace Arch Duty Free embarks on ambitious retail renovation programme

Peace Arch Duty Free retail renovation programme — Image Credit: Peace Arch Duty Free

Peace Arch Duty Free has embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project to create the world’s most luxurious land-border duty free shop, under the leadership of President Peter Raju.

North America’s largest land-border duty free retailer is undertaking a $6.5 million investment programme in order to renovate its retail space. Established in 2003, the company expanded in 2005 with the opening of a new 22,000sq ft facility, incorporating 18,000sq ft of retail.

The upgraded store will feature an expanded and elevated product offering, showcasing internationally recognised brands across designer watches, fragrances and cosmetics, leathergoods, destination wear, leisurewear, athletic and loungewear, children’s apparel and confectionery.

The retailer will also expand its popular selection of Canadian products, including premium maple syrup, cookies, and other Canadian specialities.

Against the backdrop of ongoing global trade uncertainty, international suppliers are reassessing how and where they conduct business. According to Peace Arch, Canada’s land-border duty free sector offers a compelling alternative, enabling brands to avoid unprecedented US tariffs; leverage favourable currency conditions; and strategically market products through Canadian duty free channels.

In parallel with the retail development, Peace Arch Duty Free is reinvesting in the surrounding property to enhance the overall visitor experience. Planned improvements include landscaped gardens, curated sculptures and a children’s playground, all designed to encourage travellers to pause, relax, and enjoy their journey.

The company anticipates opening the new store ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, positioning Peace Arch Duty Free as a must-visit destination for international travellers.

DFA revenue hits $2.2bn; JFK T1 ops set for 2026

Artist’s impression of Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s New Terminal One. Image credit: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Duty Free Americas’ (DFA) revenue climbed to $2.2 billion in 2024 – up from $2.07 billion achieved in 2023 – with growth driven by strong global expansion and the performance of key markets.

Falic Group President Leon Falic describes 2024 as a “transformative” time for the company – and it’s easy to understand why.

“A key milestone was our successful bid for JFK’s New Terminal One in New York [the contract was signed in 2025 and announced in April – Ed], with operations set to commence in 2026 – a strategic win that reinforces our ambitions in major global hubs,” he told TRBusiness. “We also launched new ventures across Europe, supported by the opening of a new European warehouse hub. In the Middle East, the launch of UETA MEA and the opening of our first Middle Eastern office and team in Dubai marked a significant step forward, establishing us as the only truly global diplomat supplier operating out of the region and further aligning with our international growth strategy.”

At the same time, substantial capital expenditure was allocated to driving growth in its Duty Free Americas stores. The investment is paying off; the stores are performing well, according to Falic.

“We have enhanced our store formats, expanded our presence, and improved the customer experience,” he explained.

“In Latin America, the market continues to grow and presents numerous untapped opportunities. We are particularly focused on diversifying our product categories and introducing new brands to meet evolving consumer preferences.”

All eyes on JFK T1

Being selected to operate the duty free programme at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) New Terminal One with its bespoke brand Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas is a major victory for the company. The retailer has worked closely with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New Terminal One, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield on plans for this element of the privately funded $9.5 billion development. Its New York skyline inspired retail concept will span nearly 20,000 square feet and anchor the World’s Runway retail district with a blend of global brands and local products. It’s the cash-and- carry proposition, however, that’s opening up a whole new world of opportunity for DFA and travelling consumers.

Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas, the New York skyline inspired retail concept, will span nearly 20,000 square feet. Image credit: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“As the only international-only terminal in the US, it enables a true cash & carry model, removing the need for gate delivery and allowing passengers to take purchases onboard directly,” explained Falic.

“This marks a major shift in US duty free retail, offering greater convenience and aligning with global standards.”

From this angle, it’s a major notch in the belt for DFA with regards to more such opportunities in the future.

Falic Group President, Leon Falic.

“With the New Terminal One’s international-only enplanement structure, the terminal will be the only US airport to offer the benefit of cash & carry. However, we believe this model has strong potential to be replicated in future international-only terminals across the United States. The success of JFK’s New Terminal One will set a new benchmark,” continued Falic. “Duty Free Americas is exceptionally well positioned to lead in this space. With extensive global experience, a deep understanding of international best practices, and a proven ability to adapt to new retail environments, we are ready to introduce innovative, passenger-focused retail concepts. The flexibility and efficiency of the cash & carry model align perfectly with our ongoing commitment to enhancing and modernising the travel retail experience.”

Capital expenditure boosts border business

DFA’s border business has been streamlined with Falic confirming to TRBusiness in April last year that the company is no longer operating in Brazil. It is, however, performing “exceptionally” in Uruguay.

“We have been, as well, strengthening the US-Mexico and US-Canada border store business – a channel that has demonstrated exceptional customer loyalty, particularly in the post-pandemic period,” said Falic. “We see this as a unique advantage and are capitalising on it by continuing to expand our product offerings and allocating significant capital expenditure to drive growth in this area. Duty Free Americas is proud to be by far the largest landowner of border stores in the Americas, with a retail presence at every single land border crossing in the US.”

Special attention is also being paid to expanding the product mix.

“We have expanded into homeware, lifestyle products, fashion and jewellery, toys, perfumes and cosmetics,” detailed Falic. “We have also deployed the Falic Group own brand portfolio which is doing extremely well in categories like P&C, W&S and tobacco. These additions not only enhance the overall shopping experience but also position our border stores as comprehensive retail destinations – going well beyond the traditional duty free offering.”

From China to the Middle East

Beyond the Americas, operations in Macau, where DFA operates at The Venetian Macao hotel and casino resort and at Macau International Airport, are “holding steady”, confirmed Falic. “The spending patterns of the Chinese customer have shifted looking for promotions as a primary purchase motivation, and we are closely monitoring this trend, anticipating a further positive change this year.”

He went on to say: “We remain optimistic about a positive shift this year.”

In the Middle East, the Dubai-headquartered UETA MEA, a global supplier dedicated to serving diplomats worldwide which launched in November 2024, is advancing in a number of ways.

DFA at Tocumen International Airport, Panama.

“UETA MEA has been performing extremely well, exceeding expectations in its first year of operation with a clear focus behind the diplomatic channel,” confirmed Falic. “It has significantly strengthened our presence across the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent, laying a strong foundation for expansion into the region. We are also excited to share that the UETA MEA e-commerce platform dedicated to embassies and diplomats is launching very soon – a key step in enhancing accessibility and convenience for our customers while further reinforcing our omni-channel strategy.”

Looking to the future, DFA’s commitment to sustained expansion is the key driver behind its anticipated revenue growth in 2026.

Falic summarised: “With a network that now exceeds 270 stores across airports and border crossings, we are actively growing our footprint, supported by significant capital investment that fuels this strong trajectory. As we expand internationally, we are constantly evolving our product offerings and enhancing the customer experience to ensure every shopper enjoys a premium and engaging retail environment. This strategic focus will remain at the heart of our growth as we explore new opportunities and strengthen our presence throughout the Americas.”

A version of this feature first appeared in the Top 10 International Operators Report 2025. Click here to read.

Rudolph Lohmeyer at TFWA: ‘We are in a moment of profound disorder’

Lohmeyer: “The worst thing you can do is be passive and stand still.”

Given the theme of this year’s TFWA Conference, ‘Explore New Horizons, ’ the Monday keynote presentation from Rudolph Lohmeyer, Partner at management consultancy Kearney and head of its National Transformations Institute, was on point.

As a global thinker and former Senior Advisor for Long-Term Strategic Planning at the US Department of State, Lohmeyer provided a sobering and cerebral assessment of the current geopolitical and economic state of affairs.

“We’re in a moment of profound disorder… with headwinds and tailwinds colliding… and moments of intense pressure,” he said.

In a well-constructed address, Lohmeyer explored multiple factors affecting business, from trade and investment to statecraft – examining topics ranging from tariffs and increasingly security-driven government policies worldwide, to how alliances are fracturing along geopolitical lines, leading to fragmented markets.

Cyber attacks at airports across Europe and drone incursions into Poland, Denmark, and Lithuania have already heightened security concerns and are reshaping the global landscape. And for industries that have long relied on open, fair, cross-border movement – including travel retail – shifting tariff policies, as well as institutions themselves being deliberately disrupted, driven by actors including the US, are presenting new challenges.

While trade continues to grow, patterns are changing on geopolitical and inter-regional lines. This may not last forever, but it still needs to be navigated.

Inter-regional trade is slowing, and regional trade is deepening.

Not all doom and gloom

At the same time, Lohmeyer cited changes that were bringing positive outcomes. Breakthroughs in gene therapy have shown to slow Huntington’s disease significantly, and IBM and HSBC are offering empirical evidence for the potential value of current quantum computers for solving real-world problems in algorithmic bond trading.

In all the flux, Lohmeyer said that there are intense pressures to adapt at a critical juncture in global affairs. Not all of this is new. He said that shifts in alliance structures have been taking place since 2008 and that countries are not investing solely in specific relationships, but in overlays.

In this “messy” scenario, unexpected markets such as India, which straddle rival blocs that are increasingly separated from each other, could be a bridge in an era where brinkmanship might otherwise drive conflict cascades. Developing economies are also in a better position to ride out issues of replacement rate and falling births that plague advanced economies, which have the added burden of high costs of ageing populations.

Nevertheless, Lohmeyer said he was guardedly optimistic for three reasons. Despite the breakdown of institutional structures, around the world, including Africa, “we are seeing bold institutional innovation”.

Secondly, technological advances offer huge potential for transformation. “They could drive divergence, but if we can find ways to disseminate (those advances) and make them more widely available to empower individuals, even Africa would be finally in a position to deliver on its economic potential,” he said.

Passivity ‘a recipe for losing’

The third reason for optimism is that “we have always needed a breakdown of one institutional structure before building a new one”. And we are witnessing that right now.

“At this window in time, the worst thing you can do is be passive and stand still,” Lohmeyer said. “That is a recipe for losing and being left behind.”

He added: “It is a time for analytically grounded bold bets, understanding what you do and understanding where you can place a bet that could be decisive, calibrating it against your portfolio, and then taking action.”

EssilorLuxottica’s Alessio Crivelli elected to TFWA Board as VP Marketing

Alessio Crivelli, Global Travel Retail Director, EssilorLuxottica has been elected as Vice-President Marketing.

Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has named EssilorLuxottica Global Travel Retail Director Alessio Crivelli as Vice-President Marketing.

He was elected during the association’s management committee meeting on Friday 5 September and succeeds Hervé Ducros, Global Travel Retail Director at Chanel, who as reported stood down from his position on the Board.

Crivelli begins in post immediately, with his mandate running until the next election in October 2026.

A statement from the TFWA Board read: “We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Alessio Crivelli as our new Vice-President Marketing. Representing EssilorLuxottica, a company that is a worldwide leader in our industry, he brings a professional background uniquely suited to this role, with an outstanding track record in marketing across renowned brands including Adidas.

“His Italian heritage will enrich the diversity of our board, and his presence will give greater voice to a community that champions the premiumisation of our industry with distinction and style.”

Reshuffled TFWA Board has its say…

As reported on TRBusiness.com, a significant shake-up of the TFWA Board took place in October 2024 following elections of the Board and Management Committee.

Long-term incumbents Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo (Interparfums), Donatienne de Fontaines-Guillaume (Moët Hennessy) and Arnaud de Volontat (Altimetre) made way for Jean-Pierre Bombet, Head of Operations, Be Relax (Vice President Finance); Erin Lillis, Travel Retail Director APAC, Lacoste (Vice President Commercial); and Loukia Alepochoriti, Head of Corporate & Legal Affairs – Global Duty Free & Export, Imperial Brands (Vice President Conferences and Research).

They join existing Board member Sam Gerber, Managing Partner at WorldConnect AG (Vice President Corporate and Member Services).

Hervé Ducros, Global Travel Retail Director at Chanel, has stood down from his position on the Board. A new VP marketing will be elected at the TFWA Management Committee meeting in early September, this publication has been told.

In conversation with TRBusiness for the August/September e-zine – click here for the full article – Alepochoriti, Lillis and Bombet shared their perspectives on serving on TFWA’s Board while offering a timely temperature check on the association’s advancement in the interests of all travel retail stakeholders.

TFWA celebrated its 40th anniversary at last year’s World Exhibition & Conference with a spectacular fireworks display.

Achievements & progress

“I’m honoured to have been elected to the board and to work with the huge talent within the management committee and TFWA team,” commented Lillis. “It’s exciting to be collaborating on so many a strong sense of purpose and collaboration, and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work alongside dynamic professionals who share a commitment to ethics and evolving the association into a more forward-thinking and strategically valuable organisation for its members.

“The experience has been both rewarding and energising – combining strategic planning with hands-on initiatives that are helping to shape the future of our industry.”

Asked how the new faces of TFWA are coping with the added responsibility of Board membership, all concurred that this is an aspect being firmly embraced.

Bombet said frankly: “If one isn’t able to cope with it, one should not have run for election. I did because I wasn’t at all interested in the title but only, exclusively in the ‘doing’.”

Alepochoriti added: “Listening is key. I prioritise engaging with members, gathering their feedback, and staying open to learning. This mindset of continuous improvement is essential – not just for individual personal growth, but for the association as a whole. It’s how we continue to evolve and better serve our members and the wider industry.”

A divergence of views were expressed by the new Board members when asked to identify their individual and collective achievements – latterly working alongside MC subcommittee members – to date in their respective posts.

“We’ve made strong progress in elevating the scope of our conference and research activities; on the conference side, we’re working to elevate the quality and relevance of our content, ensuring it reflects the most pressing issues facing our industry,” noted Alepochoriti.

“Additionally, we’ve worked to diversify speaker profiles (a personal priority and one that aligns with Imperial Brands’ values). We’ve also introduced more interactive formats and curated sessions that reflect the most pressing issues, reflect the evolving landscape of travel retail.”

Within the research function specifically, “groundwork” has been laid for more “robust, actionable insights”, continued Alepochoriti.

“Our subcommittee has initiated a new research partnership aimed at delivering more granular insights in consumer behaviour across regions. We’re also exploring different data tools to enhance the relevance and timeliness of our research outputs. All I can say is watch this space in the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes this year…”

Aside defining precise financial targets and adopting cautious management in the face of geopolitical turmoil, according to Bombet, the focus remains on ensuring compliance and transparency in processes and communications.

Lillis added: “Individually, I’ve worked to deepen the connection with all stakeholders, ensuring their voices shape our strategy. Contributing to the continued success of Cannes, where we’ve not only maintained momentum post-pandemic but also enhanced the commercial experience through smarter space planning and stronger brand visibility.

Open for business: (L-R) Sam Gerber, Vice President Corporate and Member Services; Philippe Margueritte, President; Franck Waechter, Managing Director; Erin Lillis, Jean-Pierre Bombet, Vice President Finance; and Loukia (Lucy) Alepochoriti, Vice President Conferences & Research.

“Collectively, our subcommittee and TFWA team are working on reshaping the Singapore event for 2026 and beyond. We’ve listened closely to member feedback and are reimagining the format to better reflect the region’s dynamism – more flexibility, more innovation, and a sharper focus on delivering ROI for exhibitors and visitors alike. It’s a collaborative effort, and I’m proud of the direction [in which] we’re heading.”

To read the full article, click here…

Michael Payne steps back from IAADFS role

Michael Payne will continue to be involved in the association’s advocacy, governance and content activities.

Michael Payne is stepping back as President and CEO of the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS), it has been announced.

The industry veteran will continue to serve as Chief Advisor to the Board on matters of advocacy, governance and programme content while shifting away from day-to-day operations involving membership services, budgets and related areas.

“As we go through some of our scheduled strategic changes and redefining our scope as an organisation, we want to be able to take advantage of his knowledge and relationships and are pleased to have his continued involvement and support,” said IAADFS Chairman Rene Riedi.

“We plan to have Michael actively participating in Cannes to focus on his areas of responsibility and helping to promote the next Summit.”

Executive Director Steven Antolick will continue to manage the operational requirements of the association, including membership development, budgets and Summit meeting requirements, via the association’s contract with management firm Smithbucklin.

‘Fresh approach’

Payne added: “I feel this is a really good solution as we go through this transition period. This conversation started back before Covid, which of course changed everything, and it clearly wasn’t a good time to make any major staff adjustments.

“We now have an energised Board with a number of new members from both the supplier and operator side who have an appreciation and understanding of what changes need to be made to better serve our members and reflect the rapidly changing nature of our industry. It’s a perfect time for new leadership and new thinking. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay involved but recognise it’s time to welcome a fresh approach.”

Travel Retail Awards: Leading airports set to attend

Heavyweight airport operators Fraport AG and Heathrow will join a roster of leading brands and other DF&TR stakeholders in the room for the highly anticipated consumer-voted Global Travel Retail Awards ceremony.

TRBusiness revealed the ‘Voted by Shoppers’ finalists last month for the DF&TR industry’s only consumer-voted awards event, which takes place on Tuesday 30 September (18:45 – 23:00) at the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, dovetailing with TFWA World Exhibition & Conference week.

Nigel Hardy and Janice Hook, Co-Owners and Joint CEOs of TRBusiness said: “The 2025 consumer-voted Global Travel Retail Awards is shaping up to be another industry-inspiring evening, with the broadest and most dynamic set of entries we’ve received to date being put to the scrutiny of our leading panel of consumer judges and international travellers.

“We would like to pay a special thank you to the influential lineup of bloggers/vloggers and our partner m1nd-set for pouring their respective time and energies into another rigorous judging process that has once again set the gold standard in defining the consumer mark of confidence.”

Early bird rate ends Monday

Demand for tickets continues to soar, including from entrants now basking in the glow of their coveted finalists accolades – eager to learn whether their submission(s) has secured ‘Winner’ or ‘Highly Recommended’ status – and other channel executives curious to discover the evening’s unique blend of first-class hospitality and entertainment while learning more about the unrivalled qualitative and quantitative methodology that informs the judging process (more below..).

The good news is there is you can take still take advantage of early bird rates until Monday 11 August – but time is running out to secure your place at the global ceremony that recognises those products and concepts that resonate highly with travelling shoppers.

Single tickets are priced at £390.95 + VAT (20%) with the option to secure a table of 10 for £3,709.50 + VAT (20%).

From 12 August, final release ticket pricing will apply: £450 + VAT (20%) for a single ticket and £4,300 + VAT (20%) for a table of 10.

What can you expect?

In customary fashion, attendees to the consumer-voted Global Travel Retail Awards are in for an outstanding evening, beginning with a welcome reception featuring drinks and hors d’oeuvres before seats are taken for a sumptuous three-course dinner as the spectacular live ceremony gets underway.

Proceedings will conclude with an after-party boasting live music from popular band Brightlights, plus each ticket holder will walk away with a delegate gift bag.

During the evening, attendees will learn more about the award programme’s in-depth judging process.

Entries are assessed by 5,000 consumers, who are independently sourced from data partner m1nd-set’s unique and qualified database of international travellers – each of whom will have travelled through an airport within the past six months. This stage of the judging process comprises 80% of the overall score.

Attendees to the consumer-voted Global Travel Retail Awards are in for an outstanding evening, beginning with a welcome reception featuring drinks and hors d’oeuvres before seats are taken for a sumptuous three-course dinner and the spectacular live ceremony, concluding with an after-party boasting live music from popular band Brightlights, plus a delegate gift bag for each ticket holder.

The remaining 20% leans on the perspectives of a panel of influencer judges who have added benefit of being able to touch, feel and try out the product entries during a three-day in-person judging session.

This year’s crop of influential consumer judges gathered in London in June for this year’s judging session to assess the full gamut of product and CSR & retail initiatives – stay close to TRBusiness.com for a series of exclusive video soundbites set to rollout in the lead-up to the ceremony, as TRBusiness brings you the inside track on how our consumer judges perceive the travel shopping experience today and the push-and-pull factors influencing purchase.

An extended video compilation of the soundbites will be aired at the Global Travel Retail Awards ceremony.

As consumers become more discerning and preferences continue to evolve, TRBusiness has introduced new categories this year to reflect the changing pace and expectations of the travel shopping experience.

‘Best Airport Activation (Out-of-Store)’, ‘Best Airport Retail Initiative (Special Occasion)’ and ‘Best Airport Retail Initiative (Campaign)’ bolster the incredibly popular ‘Airport Retail Initiative’ category, which launched in 2024 and has this year been refined to ‘Airport Retail Initiative (in-store)’.

Winners’ circle: Trophy winners gather on stage for a celebratory group shot at the 2024 Global Travel Retail Awards.

As last year, finalists will have two chances to tread the awards stage with trophies and compact shopping-bag-style gongs up for grabs for those declared as Winners and Highly Recommended, respectively.

Additionally, all entrants will receive valuable feedback from the panel of consumer judges.

Insights by m1nd-set show that 22% of consumers are more likely to purchase a product displaying the ‘Voted by Shoppers’ Finalist logo, while nearly a third (31%) of consumers are more likely to purchase a product displaying the ‘Voted by Shoppers’ Winner logo.

TRBusiness looks forward to welcoming you to another unforgettable evening of conviviality and education, as we crown the best-in-class products and initiatives that have earned the stamp of consumer confidence.

Thank you to all those who entered – we wish you the very best of luck on the evening.

For more information, visit travelretailawards.com

To relive the best moments from the seventh edition of the consumer-voted Global Travel Retail Awards in 2024, you can view a dedicated e-zine by clicking here.

Thank you to our partners

‘Innovation, resilience and excellence’: MEADFA announces fourth awards

The MEADFA Conference will take place in Dubai on 9-11 November.

The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) is inviting submissions to the MEADFA Awards, which will take place during the gala dinner at this year’s MEADFA Conference (9-11 November).

MEADFA President Abdeslam Agzoul said: “The MEADFA Awards celebrate the innovation, resilience, and excellence that define our industry. A platform to honour those who continue to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in travel retail across the Middle East and Africa.

“We look forward to recognising the remarkable achievements of this year’s participants and are excited to see how their contributions will shape the future of our industry.”

MEADFA Award Committee Chair Dr Bernard Creed added: “We encourage all companies in the travel retail sector to participate and showcase their outstanding accomplishments. The MEADFA Awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight the remarkable efforts driving our industry forward.”

The MEADFA Awards Committee Members comprise the following: Dr Bernard Creed, Treasurer; Abdeslam Agzoul, President; Chichi Maponya, Vice President; Isaias Diaz, Board Member; Nuno Amaral, Board Member; Sherif Toulan, Board Member; and Micheline El Ammar, Operations Manager.

MEADFA Awards categories

Submissions close on September 30, 2025.

Best Retailer Award: Recognising organisations that demonstrate excellence in customer service, innovation, and significant contributions to the development of travel retail in the region.

Best in Marketing Strategy of the Year Award: Celebrating marketing approaches that engage customers through innovative platforms and dynamic content, setting new benchmarks for adaptability and consumer engagement.

Sustainability and CSR Award: Highlighting initiatives that champion sustainability and corporate social responsibility, with sub-categories including Best Green Achiever, Best Sustainable Brand, Sustainable Retailer of the Year, Best CSR Performance.

Customer & Supplier Award: Recognising exceptional achievements in customer satisfaction and supplier collaboration, with sub-categories such as Outstanding Achievement in Customer Satisfaction, Innovative Supplier of the Year, Excellence in Supplier Collaboration

Lifetime Achievement Award: Honouring an individual whose visionary leadership and remarkable contributions have significantly shaped the travel retail industry, fostering sustainability, innovation, and growth.

The MEADFA Conference will be staged in Dubai at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, hosted by Dubai Duty Free.

For further information, contact Micheline El Ammar at [email protected]

TFWA reveals further numbers on TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference

Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has published addendum figures to the visitor numbers at the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, as reported by TRBusiness last week.

More than a third (39%) of the 3,039 visitors that attended the event were from travel retail operators, airports and landlords.

In the case of the first, China Duty Free, Avolta and Heinemann were among 16 of the top 20 global travel retailers represented.

A record 1,100 meetings were scheduled via the ONE2ONE meeting service, an increase of 20% over last year.

Tokyo Haneda, Delhi Indira Ghandi, Singapore Changi and Hong Kong International Airports were present in a strong contingent of Asia airports.

Popular workshops

Attendance at TFWA’s regional focus workshops were up by nearly half (49%) with ‘standing room only’ in the Market Watch: China workshop, attended by 319 delegates.

Meanwhile, a total of 237 delegates attended the session on India, a ‘considerable increase’ on last year, said TFWA, after both drew 373 attendees last year.

Attendance at the TFWA workshops was up by nearly half (+49%) with standing room only at the China workshop, was attended by 319 delegates (pictured below) and the India workshop (pictured above) drawing 237 audience members. Credit: TFWA Press Office.

More than 1,500 delegates visited the after-business TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge, with TFWA adding extra seating and space and facilitating events including the Women in Travel Retail reception and an airports’ gathering.

A total of 1,200 people attended the Welcome Cocktail at the Gardens by the Bay on Sunday 11 May.

Across the exhibition floor, an upgraded design aesthetic welcomed visitors with softer and contemporary finishes.

Elsewhere, floral arrangements including live trees and atmospheric lighting in blue and green hues at the Welcome Cocktail greeted guests under the occasion’s ‘Enchanted Garden’ theme.

Credit: TFWA Press Office.

“The debut of new brands at the show and the large numbers attending both formal sessions and networking events goes to show that the region undoubtedly retains its position of huge importance to our industry,” stated TFWA President Philippe Margueritte.

No closing press conference

“With 3,039 visitors, our numbers are indeed slightly down from last year. But in a climate of uncertainty that isn’t helpful to any sector and political unrest such as the situation between India and Pakistan prevented many delegates attending from India, it’s been gratifying to welcome so many of travel retail’s senior decision makers to Singapore. Without any doubt, serious business has been done this week – people were here to make decisions and get deals done.

“As an association whose guiding principle is ‘by the trade for the trade’, we have always striven to deliver the best value to our members. We do this by regularly canvassing their views and then innovating and investing to ensure we continue to meet their changing requirements.

“For Cannes this year, we have a number of new elements planned to ensure the show is even more relevant and has even greater draw as by far the most important date in the travel retail calendar.”

The TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference attracted a total of 3,039 visitors, slightly down on last year’s event. Credit: TFWA Press Office.

TFWA chose not to hold the closing press conference at the Asia Pacific, a customary fixture of the week that allows the trade media to engage in important dialogue with members of the Board and put questions to the association on aspects of TFWA-organised event(s) in a convivial environment.

Approached by TRBusiness, a spokesperson from TFWA told TRBusiness: “It was felt by the TFWA board that as it is unable to give final figures at the conference that the conference doesn’t provide much value to the media.

“Also while obviously we have to have the conference as late in the day as possible to give as complete a picture as possible, this is not convenient for some journalists who have to leave. However, if the media does indeed find the conference useful, its reinstatement will be considered.”

Archives

Gebr. Heinemann secures 10-year retail concession with Scandlines

Peace Arch Duty Free embarks on ambitious retail renovation programme

DFA revenue hits $2.2bn; JFK T1 ops set for 2026

All eyes on JFK T1

Capital expenditure boosts border business

From China to the Middle East

Rudolph Lohmeyer at TFWA: ‘We are in a moment of profound disorder’

Not all doom and gloom

Passivity ‘a recipe for losing’

EssilorLuxottica’s Alessio Crivelli elected to TFWA Board as VP Marketing

Reshuffled TFWA Board has its say…

Achievements & progress

Michael Payne steps back from IAADFS role

‘Fresh approach’

Travel Retail Awards: Leading airports set to attend

Early bird rate ends Monday

What can you expect?

‘Innovation, resilience and excellence’: MEADFA announces fourth awards

MEADFA Awards categories

TFWA reveals further numbers on TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference

Popular workshops

No closing press conference

Data & Analysis

Data & Analysis

Data & Analysis

Magazine

Tender News