FRANCE. Tax Free World Association (TFWA) has celebrated a successful World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, welcoming nearly 8,000 visitors, up +7% year-on-year.
The show – which ran from 28 September to 2 October – also drew a stronger presence from retailers and landlords, with participation increasing to 3,032 from 2,861 the previous year. Trade visitors totalled 2,140, including non-exhibiting brands, service concessionaires and marketing agencies from around the world.
Reflecting the event’s continued growth, this year’s show expanded to 26,500sq m of exhibition space, compared to 25,000sq m in 2024. Exhibitor participation also grew, with 482 companies taking stands, a +4% increase year-on-year.
The event also attracted heightened media attention, welcoming 268 journalists and social media influencers from various regions worldwide, while the Innovation Square drew 929 entries.
The networking programme launched on Sunday 28 September with a record 2,833 guests at the Carlton Beach Opening Cocktail. The TFWA Lounge hosted 2,267 visitors across the two sessions on Monday and 2,400 on Tuesday, while 2,893 attendees gathered for the Phenomena Club event with Martin Solveig on Wednesday.
TFWA President Philippe Margueritte said, “The figures speak for themselves when it comes to evaluating this year’s conference and exhibition.
“We still have progress to make as we continue to elevate the experience and add to the excitement of our events, but last week demonstrated that there is no limit to our ambitions when these are underpinned by creativity and an outstanding team spirit.
“What I will remember the most is the incredibly positive atmosphere that could be felt around the show both during the working day and across an extremely well-attended programme of networking events. We have set a new bar – let’s work together to achieve even more.”
TFWA Managing Director Franck Waechter added: “Determining the success of TFWA World Exhibition & Conference is about more than just the figures. This year’s event has been something of a paradox – clearly our industry faces a number of challenges, but it’s evident that people have been really happy to come together, share experiences and work in partnership to address these issues.
“Relationships are crucial to our future prosperity, and when the going gets tough, it’s important to enjoy some good times together. The number of successful networking events taking place across Cannes this week is a testament to the importance of relationships as a cornerstone of our business.”
TFWA Vice President Corporate and Member Services Sam Gerber (WorldConnect Managing Partner) said, “All the right people have been here this week, and my expectations have certainly been met in terms of business.
“While there is insecurity about what the future holds, it’s really good to witness the fighting spirit and stamina of the industry, and there has been much positivity about facing the challenges ahead.
“The conference was, I felt, a great blend of intelligent analysis of the trials in front of us and how we face them, with the practical and uplifting lessons from the worlds of business and sport.”
TFWA Vice President Commercial Erin Lillis (Lacoste Travel Retail and Corporate Director Asia Pacific) said, “Our schedule is always full before we get to Cannes, but this year we were 75% booked up before the summer.
“There was no room for walk-ins as we simply didn’t have any gaps in our diaries. There’s been a real vibrancy around the Riviera this year, and the energy has been great – there’s been no scepticism. The halls have felt busier, and a real spirit of innovation is becoming integral to the show.”
TFWA Vice President Finance Jean-Pierre Bombet (Be Relax Head of Operations) said, “The quality of our meetings has been high, and we’ve had to plan ahead carefully because our diaries have been so full.
“Cannes is of course a beacon for our industry, and it’s up to the TFWA board, management committee and permanent staff to keep innovating and introducing new concepts, such as Innovation Square.”
TFWA Vice President Conferences & Research Loukia Alepochoriti (Imperial Brands Head of Corporate and Legal Affairs – Global Duty Free & Export) said: “This year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference has truly been a landmark edition. The record-breaking attendance and the dynamic energy throughout the week are a testament to the resilience and drive for innovation of our industry.
“From the insightful conference and workshop sessions to the vibrant networking events and the debut of Innovation Square, we’ve seen a powerful convergence of ideas, partnerships and forward-thinking strategies.
“It’s clear that our community is not only ready to face the challenges ahead but is also committed to shaping a bold and sustainable future for global travel retail.”
TFWA Vice President Marketing Alessio Crivelli (EssilorLuxottica Global Travel Retail Director) said, “Our Sunday morning sporting event was a truly inspiring way to start the week.
“For the third year running, our ‘Yes We Cannes!’ inclusive sports programme organised in partnership with the French accessible sports charity, Stade Toulousain Handisport, was a perfect demonstration of determination and courage.
“It was particularly gratifying to see this and other elements of the week receiving considerable attention on social media. In the last two weeks, TFWA gained nearly 800 new followers on LinkedIn, taking our total number of followers to over 19,000.” ✈
