After a busy and productive week, TFWA Asia Pacific 2007, the 12th annual exhibition and conference for the duty free and travel retail industry in Asia, closed its works at the Singapore Suntec Centre. Industry executives, including colleagues involved in the broader airport revenue generating businesses, gathered on Monday 14th May for the 4th Gate One commercial revenues conference in Singapore.

A total of 24 eminent speakers and two professional moderators assembled in panels to contribute their expertise on subjects ranging from airport development and the emergence of airport cities to strategic partnerships and the topical issue of aviation security. Over 200 delegates participated in the conference which at times became very animated.

On the morning of Tuesday 15th at the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen summarised the state of the global industry and highlighted India and China as the principal sources of growth.

In the first session, ‘The Indian Retail Revolution and its effects on Asia Pacific’, the 450 delegates were impressed to learn of the rapidly maturing trillion-dollar Indian economy, of the massive development in air transport infrastructure in India and the related growth in the duty free and travel retail market. He was followed by retailers, suppliers, operators, analysts and marketing professionals who engaged in discussion involving the audience on how best the industry could capitalise on this immense potential.

In the second session, aviation security and the current situation regarding liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) were analysed by Frank O’Connell, President of ETRC, leading the ETRC campaign to implement a global policy which will both safeguard passenger security and enable them to continue enjoying duty free and travel retail shopping. Representatives from a liquor and a perfume brand and the Australian DFA and APTRA joined the Singapore representative of the TSA to discuss the ongoing situation and proposals which might alleviate the situation. The industry was strongly urged to support the campaign to find workable solutions to the issue.

During the week three topical workshops were held to focus attention on issues of particular interest to sectors of the industry: e-tailing, consumer purchasing behaviour and onboard sales.

TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition assembled 199 international brand companies for the benefit of buyers, agents and distributors to the duty free and travel retail outlets in airports, border stores, ships, airlines and downtown stores. A total of 1,977 visitors attended the show, +1% increase on last year, of which 34% were key buyers and airport authorities (+1%) and 47% were agents (+12%). The balance was made up of press, guests and other trade visitors.