Conference & Workshops line-up 2018

The first plenary session of the Conference updated delegates on the current state of the duty free & travel retail industry, before focusing on the technological advances that are transforming how we consume and interact with brands.

Many in the duty free & travel retail industry would argue that its positive future development depends not only on the successful embrace of new technology, but on a fundamental review of the business model. The second plenary session of the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference looked in detail at how business practices have evolved over time, benchmarking the concession model against that of other comparable retail markets.

The rise of e- and m-commerce has forced traditional modes of retail to rethink the service they offer to shoppers. Younger consumers – especially in Asia – increasingly expect convenience, integrated payment systems and total flexibility, whatever and wherever they buy.

The “gamification” of customer-facing industries – whereby elements of video game design are used to enhance user engagement – has potentially important implications for all retail businesses. Virtual and augmented reality are increasingly being put to a number of different uses, notably in travel and tourism. How can these technologies help retailers and brands encourage travellers to answer the Call of Duty Free?

The TFWA Asia Pacific Conference offers an important opportunity for our industry to assess and discuss challenges to its future growth. This workshop looked at a broad range of issues requiring concerted action from the regional and global industry, including the World Health Organization’s Illicit Trade Protocol for tobacco products, packaging regulations affecting all categories, and more.