TFWA visitor numbers pass 7,000 for first time

The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition and Conference is celebrating another record year after visitor numbers to its Cannes event exceeded 7,000 for the first time.

The TFWA Exhibition and Conference in Cannes experienced record visitor numbers this year

A total of 7,015 visitors attended this year’s conference – up 3% from 2017. Guests represented no fewer than 3,088 companies, which is 2% more than last year, while the number of visiting landlords grew by 15%.

By extending the Beach Village this year, exhibition floor space increased to 22,759 square metres, up from 22,607 square metres last year.

Exhibitor numbers were also up from 514 in 2017 to 516 this year, covering six extra stands (496). Of these, 50 exhibitors were new or returning to the event, while 14 official boats were moored in Harbour Village.

More people attended the opening conference this year compared to 2017, with 1,676 delegates in attendance (up 2%). The Digital Focus Workshop also attracted greater numbers with 310 attendees compared to last year’s 237. And the Inflight Focus Workshop also saw numbers rise to 243, compared to 195 prior.

The ‘One2One’ meeting service was used to help schedule 346 pre-arranged meetings for the main event, up 15%. An additional 168 meetings (a 3% increase) were also held at the TFWA Digital Village. Furthermore, 3,276 guests downloaded the TFWA app during this year’s show.

Erik Juul-Mortensen, TFWA president, said: “These figures demonstrate the strength of our industry and are definitely indicative of the sentiment here in Cannes [last] week.

“It’s very gratifying to have seen so many people over the past few days, and I look forward to seeing many of them again next month at the MEADFA Conference in Beirut.”

The Tax Free World Association has confirmed that the fourth TFWA China’s Century Conference will take place from 5-7 March 2019.