Tuli re-elected President of Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association for fifth term

Sunil Tuli has been re-elected as APTRA President.

Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) members unanimously re-elected Sunil Tuli as President this week and appointed a new Board of Directors for 2025-2027.

During the association’s AGM on Wednesday 14 May in Singapore, Tuli, Group Chief Executive, King Power Group (Hong Kong) was named President of the regional association for a fifth term since its inception in 2005, with Lacoste Travel Retail and Corporate Director Erin Lillis appointed Secretary.

As reported, the industry veteran was previously elected as President in 2023 on a two-year term.

The latest election outcome represents a third consecutive term for Tuli in the role since being elected as President in 2020, with successive spells in the position prior to this.

“This is a great honour that I am delighted to accept,” commented Tuli. “APTRA is an organisation I have always been proud to represent, especially so at present with the added value we continue to challenge ourselves to deliver for our members through notable platforms such as the APTRA India Conference, sharing knowledge, insights and learnings, in tandem with valuable networking opportunities.

“Additionally, the advocacy support we provide has never been busier or more important across a highly diverse region of over 45 markets, each with their own distinct regulatory agenda. I am extremely proud to lead the APTRA team who deliver these services, headed by APTRA’s Executive Director, Anne Kavanagh and I thank her for her continued exemplary leadership.

Newly elected APTRA board (L-R from top row): Sunil Tuli, King Power Group (HK); Erin Lillis, Lacoste; Susana Hueso, Lindt & Sprüngli; Luke Maga, Loch Lomond Group; Antonio Duva, Pernod Ricard; Philippe Margueritte, TFWA; Lucy Thomas, Auckland Airport; Freda Cheung, Avolta; Hervé Ducros, Chanel; Chandra Mahtani, Changi Airport Group; Ashish Chopra, Delhi Duty Free; and Rajshree Dugar, Heinemann Asia Pacific.

“I would also like to thank Har Ying Pan of JTI and Nuno Amaral of ARI who have now left the APTRA board after several years of valuable service to the association.”

The Treasurer position, currently held by Susana Hueso, Head of APAC Travel Retail at Lindt & Sprüngli, is a three-year tenure and comes up for election in 2026.

At the same time, APTRA revealed its new Board of Directors of the period 2025-2027 following the regular biennial election among APTRA member organisations.

TFWA Asia Pacific 2025 attracts 3,039 visitors and 216 exhibiting brands

The TFWA Board and MD Frank Waechter inaugurate the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition following the traditional lion dance.

Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has announced 3,039 delegates attended the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference in Singapore.

Of that number, agents/distributors took the highest share (40%), followed closely by DF&TR operators (30%) and other trade visitors and guests (15%).

On the basis of that calculation, approximately 912 buyers and 273 landlords attended TFWA’s Asia Pacific summit.

By region, Asia accounted for the greatest representation of visitors (78%). Europe (12%) and the the Middle East excluding Turkey (12%) emerged in second and third position, respectively,

Perfumes & cosmetics was the most represented category on the exhibition floor (31%); followed by wines & spirits, beers and non-alcoholic beverages (30%); and confectionery, fine food and food supplements (16%).

A total of 216 exhibiting companies were present across 205 stands, with 54 new exhibitors.

This year’s TFWA Asia Pacific summit returned to the Sands Expo & Convention Centre following a 2024 event that attracted 3,126 visitors. The pre-Covid (2019) iteration gathered a record 3,367 delegates.

TRBusiness has approached TFWA for further information.

The TFWA World Exhibition & Conference will take place on 28 September – 2 October at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

Tackle dwell issue at airports, urges TFWA President

TFWA President Philippe Margueritte has challenged travel retail stakeholders to address dwell time problems at Asia Pacific airports to offset the diminishing impact on commercial revenues.

Making his inaugural state of the industry address this morning (12 May), the former Coty leader pointed to total airside dwell time at airports in Asia Pacific declining by 16% in recent years in a worrying sign for the region’s retail operators and brands.

Referencing the data point from Kearney, Margueritte said total airside dwell time was 125 minutes in 2018, with travellers spending an average of 65 minutes in processual activities such as check-in, security, immigration and boarding, leaving 60 mins of free time to engage in airport experiences, including duty free shopping.

In 2024, the portion of ‘free time’ in airside terminals amounted to 44 mins – a decline of -16 minutes (-26%).

“We are making travellers wait far too long to get airside at airports, many of them face lengthy queues for check-in, immigration, security and boarding procedures and things are not getting any better,” he stressed.

“As travellers are no longer choosing to arrive two hours before their flights, this represents 26% less shopping dwell time which translates directly into 13% less spend per passenger. Of course, this is affecting non-aeronautical revenues. This is something we are all very keen to grow and not reduce.

Philippe Margueritte, President, TFWA.

Shifting priorities

“There is little point in offering fantastic retail experiences if passengers are rushing past the airport shop to catch their plane.

“It is in our own financial interest, whether we work for airport authorities, retailers to brands, to invest in seamless passenger processing at airports,” he continued, referencing the typically seamless curb-to-gate experience that passengers experience at Singapore Changi Airport.

In a dynamic performance on stage, Margueritte spoke of his excitement for the globe’s largest regional revenue driver.

“It’s rarely been a better time for all stakeholders to join forces and optimise the shopping journey of our travellers, especially in APAC,” he said.

Addressing the general shifts in buying demography in travel retail, he said: “Traditional airport brick and mortar stores won’t work so well for this new generation.

“They see shopping as more than purely transactional; it needs to be an experience, something to enjoy, share that really stimulates the sense and offers excitement or newness.”

He went on to explain that while footfall among Gen-Z passengers is climbing, conversion rates and average spend, by comparison, is significantly lower.

“Obviously this group is not finding what it wants in our stores and are not attractive enough by what they see. However, it is good to see how some operators are trying to inject more excitement, developing hybrid retail concepts at the airports, or example.”

Promising load factors

The future prognosis for global passenger traffic remains upbeat, with just shy of 10 billion air travellers expected in 2025 (having recorded 9.5bn in 2024), rising to 18.7bn by 2045, according to ACI World.

He pointed to load factors for the Asia Pacific region’s carriers reaching 83.5% in 2024 year-on-year, according to IATA, representing huge potential for the number of potential shoppers.

“As we know, we seem to be living in an uncertain world where international regulations can change everyday. I believe it has rarely been a better time for all stakeholders in the industry to join forces and optimise the shopping journey of our travellers.

“In Asia Pacific, a combination of factors – economic, demographic and technology – is aligning to help us maximise the appeal of our brands and shops for new kinds of travellers.”

China and India, two economic superpowers, have the “critical mass to drive consumption for decades”, he continued. This is being spurred by rising numbers of middle class in China.

Indeed, global Chinese passenger numbers are forecast to reach almost 200m by 2028 according to m1nd-set.

Meanwhile, 18.9m international travellers were carried by Chinese carriers in 2024 – up 34% year-on-year, said Margueritte, quoting figures from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

He claimed that F&B is currently the fastest growing commercial activity in Asia Pacific’s airports, combining high-quality meals in a quick-service format.

“Introducing a retail element into F&B or vice-versa is a logical development,” he said. “It plays to the desire for multi-sensory experiences, which is why we are more of this kind of outlets at airports.”

Elsewhere, the President referenced the growing importance of sustainability among global travellers with 75% stating they want to travel more sustainably in the coming 12 months, while 55% indicated a willingness to pay more to support sustainable travel options [source: World Travel & Tourism Council].

More to follow…

Canada’s Peace Bridge Duty Free enters receivership amid travel slump

Canada border store Peace Bridge Duty Free has been placed in receivership by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The court appointed MSI Spergel to manage the store’s assets and creditor repayments, with operations continuing for now.

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority is understood to be claiming CAD$17 million in unpaid rent, while Royal Bank of Canada asserts a CAD$3.3m debt. The retailer disputes the exact figures.

Peace Bridge Duty Free is situated in Fort Erie, Ontario, on the Canada side of the Peace Bridge crossing that borders Buffalo, New York.

Drop in cross-border traffic

A 32% drop in Canadian car travel to the US in March 2025, alongside a 17% decline in total crossings, has severely affected sales, reflecting a 40-50% industry-wide slump, according to the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA).

US tariff threats and political tensions have further eroded cross-border traffic, with US Customs and Border Protection reporting nearly 900,000 fewer travellers in March 2025.

Soaring taxes and high fixed costs, including a $4m annual base rent, have further compounded the retailer’s financial strain.

The receivership threatens the store’s federal duty free licence and raises concerns for Canada’s 32 border shops and serves as a warning for the entire sector, according to industry sources.

Fort Erie Peace Bridge point of entry. Credit: Aldo_Parrotta/Shutterstock.com.

The receiver will explore asset sales or restructuring, but liquidation of the business will be likely without swift intervention.

The situation mirrors challenges at other duty free outlets such as Peace Arch Duty Free in Surrey, BC, which recently reported an 80% sales drop amid worries of a potential closure.

Several other sources were unavailable for immediate comment when contacted by TRBusiness. This publication aims to bring you more on the story as it develops.

Reporting: Bill Lumley

APTRA India Conference: Highlights from a busy day one in Mumbai

Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) President Sunil Tuli has urged the travel retail industry to capitalise on the ‘remarkable opportunity’ to trap foreign spending from India’s burgeoning middle class travellers.

As reported, the APTRA India Conference is taking place on 7-9 April in Mumbai, India at the Trident Hotel Nariman Point, with approximately 300 executives attending the event.

Addressing delegates in an opening address, Tuli said: “As India’s surging travellers prepare to spread their wings across the world, it is a clarion call for the entire travel retail industry to innovate, adapt and seize this remarkable opportunity.

“The middle classes in India have a passion and the wallet to travel the world. Consumer spending abroad has reached record levels, and the good news for us here is that their spending priority is foreign travel, increasing from 37% of spend in 2020 to 53.6% in 2024 a rise of almost 25% year-on-year to $17 billion in 2024 with over 40,000 new passports issued every day.

“Indians are passionate about international travel, and this desire for new experiences brings them right to travel retail’s shop window.”

Navi Mumbai Airport in sight

A fast-growing economy on course to cross the US$4 trillion mark this year, a figure frequently touted by the local press, and resultantly set to overtake Japan has been bolstered by an $11 billion plan to build around 400 new airports by 2047.

“In tandem, India’s airlines are certainly placing the aircraft orders to use those airports, leading the global industry,” continued Tuli. “In fact, the country’s airlines collectively have orders for approximately 1,700 aircraft [last December] to be delivered by 2030.

“In fact, Air India augmented its existing mandate of 470 planes by an additional 100, reflecting confidence in the market. With new airports and new aircraft comes new travellers, including an anticipated year-on-year, growth rate of 5-6% in traffic.”

On day one of the 2025 APTRA India Conference in Mumbai, Sunil Tuli, Group Chief Executive Officer of King Power Group (HK) and President of APTRA, delivered a rallying call to delegates to capitalise on the exponential growth potential of the Indian travel market.

One of the big opportunities is the new Navi Mumbai Airport, which is expected to begin commercial flights in July or early August following its inauguration in June, with an initial capacity of 20 million pax, rising to 50m by 2029 and eventually 90 million by 2036.

During his address, Tuli referenced the seismic disruption to global economic regimes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s tariff war, with analysts pre-occupied with the extent to which the turbulence will threaten short term economic progress.

The far-reaching nature of the travel retail industry means it will always be susceptible to macroeconomic shockwaves, yet history has demonstrated its resilience through the crises it has successfully navigated – and it will adapt, Tuli reminded delegates.

He said: “India remains the most powerful long-term opportunity in our industry. Perhaps it is not bad timing that we are gathering with this global storm swirling around us. It is an added external pressure we cannot ignore and one we can’t influence, so let’s focus even more intensely on the ideas and actions that will best support the opportunity in India.

“We very much hope that you leave on Wednesday with a clear and inspiring direction of the future opportunities for your businesses in India, travel, retail and with the growing Indian middle classes looking to travel the world and become an even greater force in travel retail.”

A series of challenging dynamics face categories such as confectionery, beauty and wines & spirits – Cognac in particular – and the tariffs “could inflict further and more widespread damage”, continued Tuli.

“And of course, with far fewer of them travelling, the Chinese are no longer providing the fuel to grow our market,” he stated. “For the retailers in the room, a combination of mag obligations and declining sales in many parts of Asia Pacific present a double whammy effect.”

On India’s tariff pressures, Tuli cited the long-running US-India bilateral trade talks and the existing concessions made by the latter, especially in agriculture, to grow trade between both countries by $500 billion.

Anna Marchesini, Head of Business Development, m1nd-set presents key indicators on India’s air traffic and travel shopping trends.

“Indian commentators argue that data suggests the country is only around the ninth largest highest in imposing high level tariffs of 60% or more, and is well below the levels imposed by the highest tariff countries such as South Korea and Canada; we’ll have to wait for the dust to settle down before we know how the full impact on the Indian economy will be. But even in the current chaos, although India may emerge battered, I have no doubt it will still be upwardly mobile and maintain its long term growth journey.

“India’s economy […] if it maintains its growth path, will overtake third place Germany in 2027. PwC projection suggests its GDP could exceed that of the US by 2060. India’s population will overtake China this year. Its Gen Z population is the largest in the world, and the Prime Minister has a stated ambition to achieve developed nation status by 2047, the centenary of our Indian independence.”

‘India 101’ panel

Following the keynote address from Tuli, Guarav Singh, Chief Executive of Ospree Duty Free outlined the travel retailer’s ambitions and growth plans in conversation with moderator and DFNI Editor Kapila Ireland.

Among a busy opening day of conference sessions, respected senior executives including Delhi Duty Free CEO Ashish Chopra, recently appointed CEO of Heinemann Asia Pacific Johannes Sammann and George Cherian, Business Development Director India at Avolta, discussed how their businesses are responding to consumer demands in India versus other markets.

Travel retail stakeholders were able to indulge in high volumes of data and research presented by m1nd-set’s Head of Business Development Anna Marchesini, Visa Business Head Cross Border Payments India & South Asia Sridhar Keppurengan and Voiceback Analytics Managing Director Shubhra Misra.

Former Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail Chairman and CEO Mohit Lal moderated an insightful ‘India 101’ session concentrating on India’s intriguing yet complex market opportunities, including routes to market, distribution options, navigating regulations and customs and arrivals allowances.

The session gathered Pooja Bommidala, MD, Bommidala Enterprises; Nutan Roongta, Director USA Indian Economic Trade Organization; Surabhi Batra, Commercial Director Luxe, L’Oréal India; Shah Nawaz Khan, COO Ospree; and Gaurav Joshi, CEO, Platinum Liquids.

A respected brand, retailer and distributor also offered their respective takes on whether the power of technology and AI can persuade travellers to make travel retail an essential part of their travel journeys.

Looking at the expectations of younger consumers, Vijay Talwar, CCO & CDO Avolta; Kreol Arakulath, Executive Director, Kreol Group; and Erin Lillis, Travel Retail Director Asia Pacific, Lacoste were joined by Karl Walter of Blueprint as moderator, to fathom if technology and AI can make travel retail an essential part of their journey.

Stay close to TRBusiness for further coverage from the 2025 APTRA India Conference…

*Images courtesy of APTRA.

ASUTIL: Boost in LatAm PAX and connectivity fortifies investment drive

L-R: ASUTIL’s Gustavo Fagundes, Diego de Freitas and Carlos Loaiza-Keel at the ASUTIL press conference at TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2024. Credit: TFWA/Nathalie Oundjian.

Ahead of its Lima conference, the Asociación Sudamericana de Tiendas Libres (ASUTIL) has briefed on the dynamics at play in Latin America’s vibrant duty free and travel retail market, from the “incredible” tourism potential of the region to key advocacy issues.

International passenger traffic in Latin America (LatAm) is on the up with airlines in the region posting a 14.4% traffic rise in 2024 over full year 2023, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA), representing the second highest growth rate after Asia Pacific.

Furthermore, annual capacity climbed 14.3%, with LatAm claiming 5.3% of the world’s air passenger traffic. The positive uplift is inspiring a confident start to 2025.

“We are seeing a strong passenger growth in the majority of the airports in the region resulting in a growth of inside the region and a better connectivity from Latin America to the main origin/destination regions like North America and Europe,” Gustavo Fagundes, ASUTIL Vice President told TRBusiness. “This trend reinforces the sector investment mode resulting in a better commercial infrastructure within the region in qualitative and quantitative terms.”

A key project on the radar providing an exciting backdrop to the ASUTIL Nexus Conference, taking place in Lima from 3-6 June 2025, is the opening of the new Jorge Chávez International Airport, which is set to commence operations on 30 March 2025 (see p7 of the TRBusiness March e-zine for an update on Lagardère Travel Retail’s offering within the new terminal).

Gustavo Fagundes, Vice President, ASUTIL.

Borders update

Looking at developments in LatAm’s border business, the regulatory environment in Brazil has been under the microscope. ASUTIL’s outlook is positive.

“The border business at the Brazil side is going through a special moment taking advantage of the learnings coming from the difficult last years,” continued Fagundes. “We believe that the regulatory framework is being better understood by the industry and the online controlling system of Customs reached a stability mode enabling the sector to grow strongly.

He added: “Regarding the Uruguayan side of the business, they keep on showing their resilience and capability to re-invent after the Covid period to live a new phase of prosperity.”

The association’s advocacy efforts are amping up ahead of the Fourth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (MOP4), which is scheduled to take place during the week commencing 24 November 2025 at the WHO headquarters in Geneva.

“Efforts related to the control of the illicit tobacco trade are a top priority in our advocacy work, without neglecting other regulatory issues related to duty free shops (allowances for sure) and regulatory aspects of border shops in countries such as Brazil and Uruguay,” explained Carlos Loaiza-Keel, Secretary General, ASUTIL.

“This year, the World Health Organization has commissioned a report on the relationship between the duty free channel and the illicit tobacco trade, using a number of countries as examples, and the DFWC has updated the report it commissioned a few years ago and compared it with reliable sources. Our task this year will be to raise awareness of the fact that the duty free channel is not a contributor to this pertinent issue, the illicit trade, which our partners are openly and consistently fighting. The duty free industry has a long exemplary history and uses a well-established, highly regulated, transparent and secure supply chain.

“In our next conference in Lima, this issue will again be very relevant and prominent, even more so than in the previous one, as the participants will be able to see in just a few months.”

In the meantime, ASUTIL is keeping its members updated on the evolving business landscape in the region. Fagundes said: “The tourism potential of Latin America is incredible, the region has a diverse environment that encompasses business, buying, nature and culture destinations that are world class. The warmth of the people in the region is rarely found elsewhere.

“Our airport infrastructure is developing strongly, and the commercial area is following it with awesome areas generating genuine experiences for the travellers. Nevertheless, we still face some headwinds regarding the volatility of the exchange rate when compared to hard currencies, especially the dollar, and social and economic challenges that are typical of developing countries.”

To read the full analysis, access the TRBusiness March e-zine by clicking here.

Avolta takes prime sponsorship of Summit of Americas in Miami

IAADFS Summit of the Americas 2025

International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) has announced Avolta as prime sponsor of the 2025 Summit of the Americas in Miami, Florida (8-11 March).

The global travel experience player will offer its patronage in areas including the conference wi-fi service and badge lanyards.

Avolta joins other sponsors, confirmed as: Campari (Sunday Reception Bar Sponsor); Cincoro Premium Tequila/Duty Free Global (Saturday Reception Bar Sponsor); Essence Corp (Mobile App Sponsor); Fashionphile (Charging Station Sponsor); Four Pillars Gin (Sunday Reception Bar Sponsor); Heineken (Saturday Reception Bar Sponsor); JTI (Saturday Reception Sponsor); and KT International (Saturday Reception Sponsor).

“At Avolta, we value the vital role IAADFS plays in advocating for the industry and are proud to support the Summit of the Americas as a sponsor, reinforcing our commitment to the growth and success of the industry,” commented Camillo Rossotto, Chief ESG & Public Affairs Officer at Avolta. “Collaboration and advocacy are key to shaping a strong future for our sector, and we are pleased to play our part.”

Avolta representatives will contribute to various panel discussions at the 2025 event, including Kate Herzig, Executive Vice President, Duty Free North America & Canada Retail Operations, who will join a TRBusiness-moderated session on experiential retail on Monday 10 March (09:30am – 10:30am) as a warm-up to the TR Consumer Forum in June.

Airport concessions and cruise panels round off Summit of Americas agenda

IAADFS Summit of the Americas 2025

Attendees to next month’s DF&TR Summit of the Americas (8-11 March) will enjoy four panel sessions as part of a finalised educational programme, the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) has announced.

As reported, TRBusiness and m1nd-set will host a regional-focused warm-up session to June’s hotly anticipated TR Consumer Forum in Amsterdam with a 60-minute session taking place on Monday 10 March entitled ‘Unlocking Footfall and Conversion: The Power of Experiential Retail in Duty Free and Travel Retail’ moderated by TRBusiness Managing Editor Faye Bartle.

On Sunday 9 March, a one-hour session (13:00 – 14:00) entitled ‘Next Generation Growth: Charting the Future of the Cruise Sector’ will assess the fast-growing channel linked to the forecast rise in global cruise capacity, which Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) puts in the order of +10% by 2028.

Moderated by DFNI’s Chris Madden, the session will feature contributions from Anna Marchesini, Head of Business Development, m1nd-set; Nicolas Hoeborn, Managing Director, Heinemann Americas; Benito Mendez, SVP of Merchandising and Planning, Starboard; and Catherine Restrepo, Founder & CEO, SYZYGY Strategies.

Meanwhile, on Monday 10 March the airport concessions marketplace is in the frame in the one-hour ‘Creating a Vibrant Future’ session (13:30 – 14:30) that will take a frank look at the state of the business model in view of lagging sales and unprofitable contracts being masked by flattering passenger traffic increases.

Moderated by The Moodie Davitt Report’s Dermot Davitt and co-organised by the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA) and The Moodie Davitt Report, the session will question whether change is needed and if so, in which direction considering the evolution of the concessions framework.

Panellists include Andy Weddig, Executive Director, ARRA; David Bisset, Chief Development Officer, Paradies Lagardère Travel Retail; and Judy Byrd, President & CEO, Byrd Retail Group.

The above panels will complement a morning keynote address courtesy of John Price, Managing Director of Americas Market Intelligence (AMI) and an airports session under the auspices of ACI North America and ACI Latin America Caribbean titled, ‘Major Challenges and Unlimited Opportunities’ on Sunday afternoon.

The Summit of the Americas takes place on 8-11 March at the InterContinental Miami Hotel, Florida.

Asia Pacific Travel Retail Awards: The 2025 finalists

TRBusiness and m1nd-set are pleased to announce the finalists of the consumer-voted Travel Retail Awards: Asia Pacific 2025 (scroll below for the list in full).

A huge congratulations is in order for those companies that now earn the right to utilise the coveted ‘Voted by Shoppers’ Finalist logo in recognition of their products, CSR and promotional activities, which have earned the nod of approval from thousands of travelling consumers in the Asia Pacific region.

As a reminder, all entries into the 2024 Global Travel Retail Awards have the chance to enrol in the 2025 Asia Pacific Travel Retail Awards (more on the methodology behind the awards at the footer).

TRBusiness.com will reveal the ‘Winner’ and ‘Highly Recommended’ honours in a virtual ceremony due to take place in March.

Now in its fifth year, the hugely popular regional iteration of the Travel Retail Awards organised by TRBusiness in association with partner m1nd-set thrusts Asia Pacific travelling shoppers’ purchasing habits firmly in the spotlight, proving highly instructive to buyers and suppliers alike.

Those that achieve ‘Finalist’, ‘Winner’ and ‘Highly Recommended’ status earn the right to display the revered ‘Voted by Shoppers’ logo on product packaging, marketing materials and at point of sale to help drive incremental revenues.

Global accolade ‘is no guarantee of success in APAC’

In recognising this year’s crop of finalists in an enhanced category lineup introduced at the 2024 Global Travel Retail Awards, the 2025 Travel Retail Awards: Asia Pacific reaffirms the industry’s commitment to investing and innovating in unique products and services recognised for their value by consumers across the region.

With the international passenger traffic and spending recovery in Asia Pacific – particularly China – remaining sluggish against other regions in travel retail, there has never been a more important time to stimulate market sales using the gold standard of consumer confidence in products and services.

Nigel Hardy and Janice Hook, Co-Owners and Joint CEOs of TRBusiness, commented: “We commend the energy and innovation reflected in the product entries, many of which are thoughtfully tailored to the Asia/Pacific region. These offerings have clearly resonated with increasingly discerning shoppers, whose evolving purchasing behaviours continue to influence consumption trends within our industry.

Nigel Hardy and Janice Hook, Owners and Joint Managing Directors of TRBusiness

“It is important to highlight that while entry into the Global Travel Retail Awards can include participation in the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Awards, winning a global award in October 2024 does not necessarily guarantee success in the regional edition in 2025.

“This underscores the fact that in travel retail, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not always apply. It also reinforces the importance of suppliers developing bespoke, tailor-made products designed specifically for this key travelling consumer demographic and equally crucial, for retailers to list them.

“At the end of the travel retail chain is the most important element of all, the consumer, and the winners of the Asia Pacific Travel Retail awards have proved that they understand the needs of the travelling consumer in this region.

Peter Mohn, CEO and Owner, m1nd-set, added: “The travel retail shoppers in Asia Pacific are increasingly different compared to other regions of the world, which we undoubtedly see in our research conducted at airports and in downtown duty free shops in the region across all categories. It is therefore vital for travel retail stakeholders to have a clear and in-depth understanding of the motivations, missions and expectations of the consumers in AsPac.

“Asia Pacific is the most significant region for the travel retail channel, especially with the rise of the giants India, South Korea, and slowly but surely China, and it is therefore important to reward the companies who have done an excellent job in meeting the needs of the consumers in this part of the world.

“In short, the finalists have done an excellent job. It again confirms how knowingly different the market in Asia Pacific is compared to the rest of the world. The m1nd-set team was fascinated by how great certain products and initiatives are perceived in Asia Pacific. We at m1nd-set think all industry stakeholders should take a good look and be inspired by what the finalists have done right.”

Presenting the finalists….

Best Children’s Product

Be Relax – Yuki & Nori Kids Pillows

Chocdecor/Belfine – Chocolate Lollipops Jungle Animals

PLAYin CHOC – PLAYin CHOC Endangered Animals ToyChoc Box

Best Confectionery & Food Product
Sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits

Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co.KG – TRE Summer Selection Tasty Vibes Tower 5x100g 2025

Butlers Chocolates – Butlers Dessert Collection

Chocdecor/Belfine – Unicorn & Dragon Chocolate Lollipop 4-packs

Ferrero Trading Lux S.A. – Kinderini

Haribo Travel Retail – Giant Roulette Multi Flavours

Heidi Chocolat SA – Heidi Grand’Or Gold Caramel

Heidi Chocolat SA – Mozart Koogles Mixed Gift Box, 205g: 4 flavours

Lindt & Sprüngli (Schweiz) AG – Captain Cocoa & Skyla Carrier Boxes

Maestrani – Avelines Princesses

Perfetti Van Melle – Chupa Chups Colour Kit

Perfetti Van Melle – Chupa Chups Forever Fun Suitcase

Summerbird Organic – Tapas

The Silver Crane Company LTD – Bears of the World: UK Bear

Best Electronics Product

Bitmore Limited – TruSense TWS

Bose Corporation – QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Promate Technologies FZE – Promate MagRing

Promate Technologies FZE – Promate Mavrix

WorldConnect AG – Reload 20 PD 100W

Best Fashion & Accessories Product (including luggage & leathergoods)

Dolphin Innovations GmbH – Click & Slide Bio Wine Bordeaux/Gold

Shenzhen Hali-Power Industrial Co., Ltd. – MiLi MiTag Travel Wallet

V.Fraas International Trading GmbH – Reversible Bugatti Bucket Hat

Best Fragrance Product
Sponsored by KEX Confectionery

Ajmal Perfumes – Aristocrat for her

Ajmal Perfumes – Wisal

Coty International BV–Boss The Scent Elixir F Parfum 50 ML

Coty International BV – Boss The Scent Elixir M Parfum 50 ML

Coty International BV – Gucci Guilty Elixir PH Parfum for Men 60ML

Coty International BV – Gucci Guilty Elixir PH Parfum for Women 60ML

Coty International BV – Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild Eau de Parfum 50 ML

Best Jewellery Product

DPT Antwerp – Wanderlust

NHP Hanse Distribution/Zelli of Sweden AB/Zaza&Lili – Zaza&Lili: Subtle Bracelet Trio Set

NHP Hanse Distribution – My Jewellery: Mother/Daughter Bracelet

NHP Hanse Distribution – My Jewellery: Travel the World Set

Tagua By Soraya Cedeno represented by Travel Retail Bespoke – Amigas Necklace

Best Low- & No-Alcohol Product
Sponsored by Moroccanoil

Iris Vigneti – Bella Aperitif for Spritz

Henkell Freixenet – Mionetto Aperitivo Alc. Free

Best Makeup Product
Sponsored by E. Gluck

Coty International BV – Burberry Cushion Ultimate Compact Foundation Fair Cool 20

Coty International BV – Burberry Kisses Reno Regular Military Red 109

Coty International BV – Gucci Compact Finishing Powder Pressed Powder Shade 01

Coty International BV – Gucci Sheer Lipstick: Goldie Red 25

Coty International BV – Kylie Mascara Cream Volume Mascara Black 001

Coty International BV – Kylie Matte Lip Kit: Multi Kylie 808

Mavala – Serum Foundation

On the Mark Consultancy Ltd. – By Terry Brightening CC Palette in Sunny Flash

Best Nicotine (non-combustible) Product

ANDS – Airbar Nex

Philip Morris International – IQOS Iluma i Prime

Philip Morris International – Veev One

Philip Morris International – ZYN

Best Skincare, Haircare, Bath & Body Product (under €45)

Best Skincare, Haircare, Bath & Body Product (over €45)
Sponsored by Bluedog Group

Coty International BV – 365 Skin Repair Youth Serum

Dr.Ankerstjerne AS/Hanse Distribution – Superfood Multipurpose Vitamin Face Gel

On the Mark Consultancy Ltd. – Bon Voyage Discovery Box: 2024 EasyJet Exclusive

Best Spirits Product (under €45)
Sponsored by E. Gluck

Anora Group Plc –Koskenkorva Climate Action Vodka

Anora Group Plc – Skagerrak Nordic Dry Gin

Anora Group Plc – Valhalla Herb Liqueur Shot

Bottega SpA – Limoncino

Casa Redondo – Per Se Aperitif

Best Spirits Product (over €45)
Sponsored by E. Gluck

Suntory Global Spirits – Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series LTO London

Suntory Global Spirits – Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged

Brown-Forman – Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt

Rémy Cointreau – Rémy Martin Club Exception

Rémy Cointreau – The Botanist Hebridean Strength

Whyte & Mackay – Jura Islanders’ Expressions No.3

William Grant & Sons – Wildmoor Waking Forest 23 Years Old

Best Sustainable Product
Sponsored by Moroccanoil

0930 Creative Agency – Kellanova GTR: Pringles Paper Can

Bitmore Limited – Snoooza Carbon Neutral Travel Pillow made from Plastic Bottles

Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore – Bamboo Fibre Coffee Tumbler

PLAYin CHOC – PLAYin CHOC Endangered Animals ToyChoc Box

Puressentiel – Bite & Sting Repellent + Soothing Spray

Villa Sandi S.p.a. – Asolo Docg Prosecco Brut Biodiversity

Best Travel Accessory Product
Sponsored by Bluedog Group

Beurer GmbH – IBR 65 Insect Bite Healer

Cabeau – Evolution Kids

NHP Hanse Distribution–- Vonmählen: Infinity

Shenzhen Hali-Power Industrial Co., Ltd. – MiLi MiLock

Storyteller represented by Travel Retail Bespoke – FlagMate

Travel Blue – Infinity Pillow

Travel Blue – Wireless Audio Adapter

Best Watches & Watch Accessory Product

E. Gluck Corporation – Anne Klein Mother of Pearl Dial Ring Watch

E. Gluck Corporation – Anne Klein Turquoise Mother of Pearl Gemstone Accented Bracelet Watch

NHP Hanse Distribution GmbH – Aviator F Series Gent’s Smart Technique Watch

Best Wines Product

Domaine Laroche – Laroche Chablis Les Chanoines 2023

Villa Sandi S.p.a. – Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut Il Fresco “Britto”

Villa Sandi S.p.a. – Asolo DOCG Prosecco Extra Brut Il Nero

Best Charity Initiative
Sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits

Azurous Inc., DBA Cabeau – Cabeau is now B Corp Certified!

Duty Free Americas – Duty Free Americas Golf Day 2024 Brings Together Global Travel Retail Community To Raise $1 Million

International Shoppes – International Shoppes Gives Back with Island Harvest Food Bank

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail – Pernod Ricard TR Americas X Avolta: Jameson Community Project

Best Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
Sponsored by Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail

Dubai Duty Free – Dubai Duty Free Employee Engagement Activities

Starboard Cruise Services – Starboard’s ‘Inclusion, Equity, Diversity (IED) for All’

Best Sustainable Initiative
Sponsored by Anora

Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore – Journey Towards A Sustainable Future by Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore

Dubai Duty Free – The Dubai Duty Free Global Forest

Coty International BV – The Ultimate Upcycling: Pioneering the use of Recycled Carbon Emissions in Fine Fragrances

Fazer Confectionery – Fazer Dumle, Geisha and Tutti Frutti Products are Palm Oil Free in 2024

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail – Absolut Arlanda

Fazer Confectionery – Less Plastic in your Favourite Fazer Pralines

Lagardère Travel Retail Switzerland – Lagardère Travel Retail Switzerland opens a Pop-up in Partnership with the UN

Best Cruise Retail Initiative
Sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits

Anora Group Plc – Koskenkorva Shop-in-Shop Experience

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail – Rabbit Hole Whiskey and Celebrity Cruises

Starboard Cruise Services – Starboard’s ‘Beauty for All’

Best Airport Retail Initiative Pop-Ups
Sponsored by Moroccanoil

Brown-Forman – Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Launches with Exquisite Global Pop-Up Experiences

Campari Group Global Travel Retail – Appleton Estate Montego Bay Boutique by Campari Group Global Travel Retail

Campari Group Global Travel Retail – First-ever Aperol Experiential Pop-up Store in GTR by Campari Group Global Travel Retail

Ospree Duty Free by MTRPL – Floor Disruptor

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail – Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition Launch & Global Campaign

Walker’s Shortbread Limited – Walker’s Shortbread Festive Pop-up in Heathrow T5

William Grant & Sons – Hendrick’s Gin Perfumery, The World’s First Gin Perfumery Pop-up

William Grant & Sons – The Balvenie 60 Years Old: Redefining Luxury

Best Airport Retail Initiative
Sponsored by Newmark

Campari Group Global Travel Retail – Campari x Berlinale Amplification: A Red Carpet Experience in Travel Retail

Cloetta Global Travel Retail – Attracting Travellers Back to the Shop Floor: Cloetta Global Travel Retail’s New Display Strategy

Ferrero Trading Lux S.A. – Light up your Christmas – Ferrero Rocher

Frankfurt Airport – Airport Shopping Your Way: Spring Campaign 2024

Heathrow Airport – Heathrow Terminal 2’s Glenmorangie Boutique Opening

iCoupon – iCoupon: The Future of Personalised Promotions in Airport Retail

Lagardère Travel Retail – United Arab Emirates – Fortnum & Mason and Veranda Cafe: A Premium Hybrid Experience

Lagardère Travel Retail – United Arab Emirates – Lego & Paper Cafe – An Immersive Hybrid Retail and F&B Experience

Lagardère Travel Retail – United Arab Emirates – Pangaia: Leading the way for a Sustainable Future in Travel Retail

Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore – Celebrate All Things Peranakan! by Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail – Jameson ‘Arrive Like a Local’ Campaign Makes Bold Return in 2024 with the Visa-powered Passport

Suntory Global Spirits – Amazing Aston Martin Bowmore Activation

Suntory Global Spirits – Celebrating 100 Years of the House of Suntory

Suntory Global Spirits – Roku Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season

Walker’s Shortbread – World’s First Shortbread Vending Machine

William Grant & Sons – Glenfiddich and The Balvenie Portfolio Shop-in-Shop: Luxury Shopping Experience at Incheon Airport

How it works

All entries to the consumer-voted 2024 Global Travel Retail Awards can select to be enrolled into the 2025 Asia Pacific Travel Retail Awards.

The Asia Pacific awards programme mirrors the category lineup of its global counterpart: 17 product categories – plus the ‘Best Overall Product’ accolade – as well as six CSR and retail initiatives categories.

In order to assess the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Awards, the Swiss research agency analyses data from the global awards and concentrates on the portion of data provided by international travelling consumers sourced from the company’s qualified database who are based in Asia Pacific to discover the buying inclinations of those travellers in the region.

By amplifying regional nuances in consumer purchasing behaviours, new opportunities emerge for brand exposure and development.

Click the respective links to view the winners of the 2024 consumer-voted Global Travel Retail Awards and Asia Pacific Travel Retail Awards.

More than one fifth (22%) of consumers are more likely to purchase a product displaying the Travel Retail Awards ‘Voted by Shoppers’ finalist logo, according to research from m1nd-set.

Meanwhile, almost a third (31%) of consumers are more prone to buying products displaying the Travel Retail Awards ‘Voted by Shoppers’ winner logo.

Finalists achieving the ‘Highly Recommended’ or ‘Winner Accolades’ will be able to elevate their profile by switching to the respective logos based on their achievements.

The 2025 Global Travel Retail Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 30 September, 2025, from 18:45-23:30 at Hôtel Martinez in Cannes during TFWA World Exhibition & Conference week. The Finalists will be announced on 28 July 2025.

To view our refreshed event website and to obtain further information, visit www.travelretailawards.com

APTRA opens delegate registration for India conference in Mumbai

The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) is pleased to announce that the delegate registration website for the APTRA India Conference 2025 is now live.

The APTRA India Conference, in conjunction with host partner Ospree Duty Free, takes place at the Trident Hotel, Nariman Point in Mumbai on 7-9 April.

APTRA says the conference agenda will offer detailed insights and knowledge sharing of the Indian DF&TR market and the dynamics underpinning its continued growth.

Following afternoon networking on 7 April, the Welcome Cocktail will take place at the hotel.

The keynote and plenary conference sessions will run from approximately 08:30 – 16:00 on Tuesday 8 April supplemented by refreshment and lunch breaks before the evening gala dinner hosted by Ospree Duty Free.

More than half of capacity pre-registered

On Wednesday 9 April, the morning conference sessions will finish with late lunch and networking.

The conference venue boasts capacity for 270 people. APTRA says more than 50% of places have already been pre-registered.

The conference agenda looks to include discussions around aviation investment and new airport openings; hybridisation of retail with F&B; phygital and new technologies fuelling growth; airport lounges and new revenue opportunities; category trends; new consumer research on shopping behaviours; Indian traveller intelligence; routes to market for new brands; and sustainability insights.

The India travel retail industry is booming, maintains APTRA, with more than 40,000 new Indian passports being issued every day and the country enjoying unprecedented growth in its number of middle-class travellers.

APTRA India Conference 2025 delegates are being urged to register to avail of a preferential rate on guest rooms at The Trident Hotel as soon as possible.

The federal government is investing around US$11 billion in airport infrastructure, bringing around 400 airports into operation across the country by 2047 as new airline orders soar.

APTRA has secured a limited number of rooms at The Trident Hotel at a preferential rate of INR15500 per night (including breakfast) for the duration of the conference.

The rate is available on bookings made before 20 February.

To register for the APTRA Conference, click here.

Shifting priorities

Promising load factors

Drop in cross-border traffic

Navi Mumbai Airport in sight

‘India 101’ panel

Borders update

Global accolade ‘is no guarantee of success in APAC’

Best Children’s Product

Best Confectionery & Food Product Sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits

Best Electronics Product

Best Fashion & Accessories Product (including luggage & leathergoods)

Best Fragrance Product Sponsored by KEX Confectionery

Best Jewellery Product

Best Low- & No-Alcohol Product Sponsored by Moroccanoil

Best Makeup Product Sponsored by E. Gluck

Best Nicotine (non-combustible) Product

Best Skincare, Haircare, Bath & Body Product (under €45)

Sponsored by Bluedog Group

Best Skincare, Haircare, Bath & Body Product (over €45) Sponsored by Bluedog Group

Best Spirits Product (under €45) Sponsored by E. Gluck

Best Spirits Product (over €45) Sponsored by E. Gluck

Best Sustainable Product Sponsored by Moroccanoil

Best Travel Accessory Product Sponsored by Bluedog Group