Page 12 - IAADFS 2022 hi-res

INSIDER

TFWA makes a live return to Singapore

A revised format allows a TFWA Asia Pacific in-person event to go ahead May 9-11 at Singapore’s
Marina Bay Sands for the first time in two years

Although Tax Free World Association mandatory, it will be optional outdoors. Information sessions on day two will
cancelled the full TFWA Asia Pacific “The announcements today are very begin with the State of the Travel Market
Conference and Trade Show in early positive news for the entire travel retail in Asia Pacific, featuring Pedro Castro,
March, it has come up with an alternative industry, and mean that wherever you are Dufry; Sarah Mathews, TripAdvisor; Ilia
format in order to provide a live forum in the world, fully vaccinated travelers can Liutov, ACI World and Jason Cao, DFE &
in which the Duty Free and Travel Retail now enter Singapore without restrictions,” Amberich International.
industry can meet within the current health said TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen, This workshop will look in detail
and financial restrictions. who went on to thank the Singapore at the current state of the travel industry
The revised format is a two-day in- Tourism Board and the authorities in in Asia Pacific: tourism and air traffic
person networking event that will enable Singapore for taking these positive steps. trends, emerging destinations and traveler
delegates to mix, identify potential partners “We’re certain that it will encourage many preferences, plus hotspots such as Hainan.
and do business. The live networking more of our colleagues from all parts of the The session will also look at the findings
event is taking place on the same dates and globe to join us for what will be a long- of ACI’s analysis of the business model
at the same venue as the conference and awaited opportunity for our industry to for non-aeronautical revenues at airports,
exhibition it replaces. gather in this vitally important region,” he including duty free & travel retail.
The program is featuring an extensive concluded. Held in partnership with TR Business
conference and workshop component, and and drawing on a major recent consumer
brings back TFWA’s popular One2One Conference & Workshops study by m1nd-set, a Sustainable futures
meeting service. Networking sessions will A key element of the event is a session will explore what “sustainability”
provide further opportunities to interact “robust” conference and workshop program truly means for shoppers in Asia, how
with business contacts. TFWA is also throughout the two days. perceptions vary by nationality, and the
planning end-of-day social events as health The Opening session on day one role environmental and social concerns
conditions permit. features TFWA President Erik Juul- play in purchase decisions. The workshop
Mortensen and APTRA President Sunil will also hear from brands and retailers on
Singapore relaxes restrictions Tuli and keynote speaker Dr Ayesha how they are adapting their business model
In a positive development for the Khanna speaking on how new technologies to meet the expectations both of consumers
event, the Singaporean government and modes of consumption are changing and their own business partners.
has lifted a number of health and travel the way we buy and sell brands. The final session is Digital
restrictions that will greatly simplify life Session two on day one is a Focus on transformation in SE Asia, featuring: Dhruv
for those planning to attend the networking India, one of Asia’s biggest markets, and Vohra, Meta and Praneeth Yendamuri, Bain
event. one that will be at the heart of the regional & Company.
As of April 1, Singapore will allow recovery. Featuring insights from brands, In their recent report entitled
all fully vaccinated travelers, whatever retailers and airports, Delhi Duty Free CEO Southeast Asia, the home for digital
their country of origin, to enter the country Ashish Chopra and Bangalore International transformation, Meta and Bain & Company
quarantine-free and without the need Airport Ltd Asst Vice President - explored how the migration from offline to
for testing on arrival. Fully vaccinated Commercial Development Pravat Kumar online will shape the consumer way of life
travelers will still need to take a pre- Paikray will discuss current and future in Asia post-pandemic. TFWA has invited
departure PCR or lateral flow (antigen) test opportunities in the country’s duty free the authors of the report to share their
within two days of leaving for Singapore, market, customer trends and infrastructure insights on how brands and consumers in
however. developments. Asia will interact in future.
In addition, Singapore will lift The final session on day one is the Registered delegates and TFWA
restrictions on large-scale social APTRA Exchange, a knowledge-sharing members unable to attend physically can
events, live performances, and alcohol session aimed at updating APTRA view replays of the learning sessions via
consumption beyond 10:30pm. The number members and their business partners on the the TFWA 365 Digital Platform the week
of people who can gather in social groups current status of the duty free and travel after the event. The Delegate Directory will
will be expanded from five to ten, and retail industry in Asia Pacific, including also be accessible to participants via TFWA
restaurants and bars will be able to serve travel trends and regulatory issues. The 365.
up to ten fully vaccinated customers. session will be moderated by John Rimmer,
While mask wearing indoors will still be managing director of TFWA.

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