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Asia back in force at TFWA Cannes 2024
The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes attracted 7,456 visitors this year – 25% of whom travelled from Asia.
The annual travel retail and duty free show took place in France from 29 September to 3 October. It marked the 40th anniversary of the TFWA, and the 39th edition of the show.
The biggest number of visitors came from France (689), closely followed by the UK (592). The US was the third-biggest visitor market (299), with Italy close behind (296). The total visitor number did not quite match the record attendance of 2019 (7,531 visitors).
The event will return to Cannes from 28 September to 2 October 2025.
Erik Juul-Mortensen, outgoing TFWA president, said: “As we look back on the wonderful week spent in Cannes this year, it is time to turn our attention to the next time our industry will reconvene at the Palais in 2025.
“Spirits were high this year to mark 40 years of our prestigious association and it is the spirit of buoyant optimism that I remember as I leave my position as TFWA president at the end of this year.
“Although I will not be attending in the capacity of president at next year’s event, I am certain that the association is in safe hands, and wish my successor all the best in their role.”
The post-show statistics also confirmed 462 exhibitors took part this year. Almost a quarter (23%) of exhibitors hailed from France. The second-biggest exhibitor market was the UK (11%), then the US (6%).
A new record was met for buyers and landlords, with 2,861 in attendance.
At the annual opening conference, Juul-Mortensen said the long-term outlook for global travel was “encouraging”, but interim economic and political tensions will limit growth.
Our recent global travel retail report explored the state of the industry in detail.
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