South American 360°

Although outpacing other regions in the strength of its recovery, South America’s duty free market has inevitably been impacted by the pandemic and its economic fallout. The first ASUTIL Conference in five years will analyse the business from all main perspectives to provide a 360-degree picture of its current state and prospects.

Held on 7 and 8 June at the Hilton Hotel in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires in Argentina, the TFWA-managed Conference starts with an assessment by the continent’s leading travel retailer. After an official welcome from ASUTIL’s President and General Secretary, Dufry CEO Xavier Rossinyol will share his vision for the future of duty free in South America. The focus then moves to the travelling consumer with the findings of a new ASUTIL-commissioned study from research specialists m1nd-set. Rounding off the morning, a panel session will review the region’s border business. Delegates will hear from important sector players Neutral and BAH Free Shop, as well as regulatory representatives from Uruguay and Brazil. Following a lunch sponsored by Bernabel, the afternoon is devoted to networking, with a Gala Dinner from 8:30pm courtesy of Interbaires.

Day 2 opens with further scope for networking and meetings until lunch, sponsored by JTI. In the afternoon, leading regional economist Carlos Melconian charts the economic landscape before a panel discussion of travel trends across the continent. Senior executives from major airport operator Corporacion America and Latin American airline association ALTA will contribute. After a spotlight on the tobacco category, the Conference’s formal presentations finish on a high, exploring the digital opportunities in duty free with Pernod Ricard and tech giant Meta. Finally, ASUTIL’s Vice President will make some closing remarks. The much-loved ASUTIL Conference closing cocktail and party, sponsored by Colonia Express, start at 8:30pm. For those extending their stay in Buenos Aires, ASUTIL will organise a social activity on 9 June.

View the programme