VIETNAM. The Trinity Forum, the world’s most influential travel retail and airport commercial revenues conference, has attracted a stellar line-up of industry speakers, sponsors and delegates to Ho Chi Minh City this week (5-6 November), as the event makes its debut in Vietnam.
The Trinity Forum is co-hosted by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG) and takes place at the city’s Gem Center complex. The event is owned by The Moodie Davitt Report and organised in partnership with Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East and ACI World.
The prestigious global event is dedicated to maximising the potential of airport commercial services, enhancing traveller experiences and creating sustainable added value for the aviation and travel retail industries.
This year’s gathering of over 400 delegates offers an opportunity to exchange experiences in aviation, tourism and retail development while promoting and attracting investment for tourism commerce in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.
On Tuesday morning, Vice Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the State Capital Management Committee of Enterprises will deliver welcome addresses to inaugurate the Forum, alongside The Moodie Davitt Report and ACI.
ACV Chairman Vũ Thế Phiệt and IPPG Founder and Chairman Johnathan Hạnh Nguyễn will also welcome international guests as they share the honour of hosting the event in Vietnam for the first time.
This year’s event takes place under the broad theme, ‘Driving Innovation to Stay Relevant in a Rapidly Changing Consumer Landscape’. Topics will include airport commercial innovation, airport expansion and development strategies, the future of travel retail, optimising the passenger experience and the latest consumer trends.
Delegates will hear from industry-leading players such as Avolta, SSP Group, Lagardère Travel Retail, Qatar Airways, Dubai Airports, Dubai Duty Free, China Duty Free Group, Riyadh Airports, Heathrow Airport, Vantage Airport Group, Fraport, Malaysia Airports, CAVU, Denver International Airport and many others.
The Forum will also examine Vietnam’s aviation, tourism and travel retail potential, exploring cooperation and growth opportunities. A key discussion will include ACV subsidiary leaders from Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat Airport Services JSC (SASCO), alongside IPPG representative Phillip Nguyen, CEO of IPP Travel Retail.
The event will cover how investment is changing the landscape for Vietnam’s aviation, travel and travel retail sectors, supporting economic growth, improving service quality, creating jobs and increasing income for industry personnel. The Forum will also provide a showcase for Ho Chi Minh City’s unique cultural character promote tourism and attract further investment.
ACV Chairman Vũ Thế Phiệt said: “The Trinity Forum 2024 is a pivotal milestone, opening up opportunities to foster cooperation and investment from international partners in both aviation and non-aviation services at airports throughout Vietnam, especially in major national projects like Long Thanh International Airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal 3 and the expansion of Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 2.
“ACV welcomes opportunities for collaboration with international partners to learn, adopt and apply best practices and the latest technology across its airports, aiming to enhance service quality and passenger experience.”
Alongside a strong international audience the Trinity Forum has also drawn substantial domestic interest, with over 50 media outlets and distinguished guests attending.
“Through this event, Vietnam’s aviation sector will continue to thrive, contributing to economic growth and elevating the international status of Vietnam’s aviation and travel retail industry,” added Vũ Thế Phiệt.
IPPG Chairman Johnathan Hạnh Nguyễn said: “The Trinity Forum is an invaluable opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate its capability to host international events, affirming the country’s role and position in attracting investment and developing aviation services.
“By bringing this Forum to Vietnam, we aim to create new momentum for Ho Chi Minh City’s growth, not only attracting investment but also promoting the image of a modern, friendly and dynamic Vietnam to the international community.”
The Trinity Forum 2024 promises to be a significant milestone for Vietnam’s aviation and travel retail sectors, laying the foundation for sustainable development in the future, added the co-hosts.
About Airports Corporation of Vietnam – JSC (ACV)
Airports Corporation of Vietnam – JSC (ACV) is a state-owned enterprise responsible for managing and operating 22 airports throughout Vietnam, including ten international airports. Committed to excellence and innovation, ACV prioritises the development of aviation tourism, economic growth and national security. In 2023, ACV served nearly 120 million passengers.
About Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG)
With nearly 40 years of experience, IPPG is one of Vietnam’s largest multi-sector retail corporations, employing 25,000 people and owning 35 subsidiaries and joint ventures. IPPG is also a major shareholder of SASCO and the largest shareholder in Cam Ranh International Terminal. In travel retail, IPPG has invested in numerous non-aviation projects at airports and border crossings, including duty-free shops, food & beverage outlets and more. ✈