Advantage Asia

Sales to travellers in Asia Pacific rose 14.7% in the first 9 months of 2018, according to recent data from Generation Research. That progress comfortably beats the worldwide figure of 9.9% and is more than double the uplift of the next-largest region, Europe. It also marks an acceleration over Asia Pacific’s 12.6% full-year growth in 2017. Whatever the geopolitical and economic clouds in the region’s skies, passengers still seem keen to shop on their travels.

As the industry summit for this geography, TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference has itself enjoyed robust growth recently, drawing a record 3,194 visitors last year. The strong business momentum suggests the 2019 edition will be even busier. Lancel (Fashion & Accessories), Chow Tai Fook (Jewellery & Watches), By Terry (Fragrances & Cosmetics) and Stoli Group / Cognac Prunier (Wines & Spirits) are among the exhibitors making their Singapore debut or returning after a break.

The Conference gets a makeover for 2019, with three plenary sessions replacing the simultaneous-workshop format. Sustainability, technology (artificial intelligence and virtual reality) and the future of brands will all be discussion points. There’ll be a fresh look to the networking programme, too, with new venues for the Golf Tournament (The Laguna National Golf & Country Club), the Welcome Cocktail (Fort Canning) and the Singapore Swing Party (Ola Beach, Sentosa Island). Full delegate status is the only way to guarantee entry to all networking events. Find out more and book your place via the pre-registration portal, open until 4 April.