TFWA Company Profile Founded in 1984, TFWA is the world's largest Duty Free and Travel Retail Association, with a membership of more than 400 premium brands, supplying the global duty free and travel retail markets. The Association is a non-profit international organisation built on strong ethical foundations based on the "by the trade for the trade" concept.
TFWA's mission is to enable and empower the Duty Free and Travel Retail industry by providing the opportunities and the tools for brand and market growth.
The core activities of the Association The core activities of the Association, which facilitate members and the broader industry, include the organisation and implementation of exhibitions, showcasing current and new products to buyers in the global travel retail market; organising conferences and seminars which provide the industry with a platform for debate and discussion on the key topics and issues affecting the market now and in the future.
TFWA Trade Exhibitions
A network of brands and buyers The industry's major event of the year is the TFWA World Exhibition, held annually in Cannes in October. Attracting more than 500 exhibitors and over 5,000 visitors, TFWA World Exhibition has become the global event that cannot be missed.
Equally, in the Asia Pacific region, TFWA Asia Pacific held in Singapore annually in May has rapidly become the key event for the industry with a very specific focus on the crucial developing regional markets. It is the main opportunity to meet in one place and at one time a network of buyers and industry executives from across the entire region. This exhibition welcomes 250 exhibitors and approximately 2,000 visitors.
Organiser of key conferences and workshops Alongside TFWA World Exhibition and TFWA Asia Pacific the Association is establishing its role as the organiser of key conferences, workshops and seminars for the industry.
The conferences already in existence at both Cannes and Singapore are further enhanced by events with a specific focus on regional, commercial and product issues.
Other events organised by TFWA include: The Middle East Duty Free Conference which takes place in Dubai in November is managed by TFWA in partnership with Moodie International.
The GATE ONE Conference co-organised with ACI Asia Pacific (Airports Council International), running concurrently with TFWA Asia Pacific, is designed to present airport decision makers with important information and support in developing their strategies to develop commercial opportunities.
A sharp point of view on the industry
Research To keep pace with this ever changing industry, TFWA also undertakes research studies such as the following reports; Asia Pacific's Travelling Consumer in 2001, the Trends and Behaviour of Japanese International Travellers in 2002, the European Consumers as Travel Retail Customers in 2002, the JTM/TFWA Japanese Traveller Study in 2003 and the Chinese Outbound Travelers (AC Nielsen) in 2005.
Corporate Development The main areas of responsibility for the Corporate Development Department are the evolution of statutes and Association rules and regulations, membership development and relations with international Duty Free / Travel Retail bodies.
The Association aims to encourage close relationships between suppliers and operators worldwide, to play a part in representing the interests of its Members and the industry as a whole and, in particular, provide business support for the industry with unrivalled products and services.
One of the aims of TFWA is to help bring together the various players of our industry on a global level in order to build partnerships, alliances and co-operation from which the entire industry will benefit.
