Close Menu
News

TFWA cancels 2020 show in Cannes

The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has cancelled its 2020 World Exhibition and Conference in Cannes, France, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The TFWA World Exhibition and Conference usually takes place in Cannes each year, but the 2020 show will not go ahead

The TFWA World Exhibition & Conference is the biggest event in the duty free and travel retail calendar, and was due to take place from 27 September to 2 October this year.

Last month, the TFWA revealed a number of changes to its 2020 show in order to help exhibitors and guests take part, and aid the travel retail sector’s recovery.

However, as a result of the ongoing uncertainty regarding travel restrictions and health, as well as the worldwide decline in activity across the duty free and travel retail sector, the TFWA board and management committee took the unanimous decision to cancel this year’s event.

Alain Maingreaud, TFWA president, said: “The TFWA World Exhibition and Conference is an essential event for the duty free and travel retail industry, not just a time and place where business is done, but where friends are made and good times are shared. It is a moment I think we all look forward to.

“And thanks to the event, TFWA is able to support the work done on our industry’s behalf, work which has never been more important than today. That work includes advocacy and the coordination of our industry’s response to specific challenges, such as product packaging, the provision of consumer information and many others.

“The cancellation of TFWA World Exhibition and Conference will have a significant impact on the association’s finances, but thanks to the sound management of our resources up to now, we have been able to build reserves to help us cope with difficult periods such as this.

Alain Maingreaud, TFWa president

“We remain determined to do all we can to help our industry emerge from its most difficult period, keep our members and partners informed and help coordinate our industry’s response to the current crisis.

“We would like to thank all those associated with our event in Cannes, including the mayor of Cannes and our many friends and partners in the city, for their understanding at this difficult time. We are also grateful for the support of our exhibitors, visitors, trade press and other partners. TFWA will continue to work with them to help rebuild our industry.”

Many trade shows have also been forced to cancel their 2020 events due to the coronavirus crisis. ProWein 2020 was expecting to attract more than 60,000 visitors to this year’s Düsseldorf show, but had to pull the plug as the pandemic escalated.

Other shows that have been unable to go ahead as planned include TFWA’s Asia Pacific show in Singapore, the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) Summit of the Americas show in Orlando, US, and Imbibe Live in London, UK.

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No