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Cannes is one of the most heavily-frequented cities in Europe for events, with a conference happening almost every single weekend. The city is renowned for accommodating celebrities, hosting massive villa and yacht parties, and of course, closing major business deals from all industries. One of Cannes’ most popular events pertaining to the luxury and travel shopping industry is the Tax Free World Exhibition & Conference, or the TFWA Cannes. If you’ve ever had to buy your partner a last-minute duty-free gift at the airport, you have tradeshows like TFWA to thank!
This trade show brings together over 500 luxury goods vendors from all over the world to meet, share ideas, and ultimately make the life of a traveller easier.
The motto of the industry is “By trade, for the trade” and it represents the largest professional body within global duty free and travel retail and an association of brands pertaining to the industry.
The categories for the trade show are:
Confectionery & Fine Foods
Fragrances & Cosmetics
Jewellery & Watches
Wine & Spirits
Fashion & Accessories
Gifts & Electronics
Tobacco
he Tax Free World Exhibition & Conference takes place in Cannes, France but there are various locations for the trade show. TFWA will take place in:
Cannes, 30 September – 5 October
Cannes, TFWA Digital Village, – 2 – 5 October
Beirut, The MEADFA Conference, 9 – 20 November
Sanya Haitang Bay, TFWA China’s Century Conference, 5 – 7 March 2019
Singapore, TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, 12 – 16 May 2019
To find the perfect TFWA Cannes accommodation, check out these central apartments!
Last year the TFWA Cannes celebrated 70 years of duty-free stores, and it was an incredible programme. The first duty-free store opened in Shannon, Ireland, and the industry now has a net worth of $68 billion! This year has an impressive lineup, featuring conferences, workshops and ONE2ONE meetings with the industry’s leaders. The Inflight Focus workshop will share insight on how in-flight shopping can become more attractive to this generation.
What’s more, from the 2 – 5 October, there is an opportunity to attend the Digital Village. Located at La Gare Maritime in Cannes, this newly-introduced addition to TFWA shows digital solutions and services to tech-savvy travellers.
Every year the TFWA Cannes committee organises a handful of entertaining events and activities! Due to the pristine location, the Carlton Beach will be the location for the welcome cocktail on Sunday 30 September. It’s invitation only, with a smart dress code, open bar, and networking with views.
The leisure events all happen to take place on 30 September and more or less at the same time, unfortunately. We recommend trying to attend at least one of the following leisure activities:
Golf Tournament – starting at 08.30 – Royal Mougins Golf Club – Sponsored by Qatar Duty Free – Includes shuttle to Mougins, breakfast, and buffet lunch for registrants only.
Yoga – starting at 09:00 for the first session, and 10:00 for the second session – Sponsored by Rituals – Plage du Festival – Includes yoga mat, welcome tea, and breakfast.
Charity Run – starting at 08:30 – €15 donation given to local charity – La Côte, Carlton Hotel – Includes breakfast after the run.
Petanque Tournament – 09:30 – 14:30 – Place de l’Etang – Includes shuttle service from Marriott hotel at 09:15, welcome coffee and croissants, aperitif, and lunch at the beach restaurant l’Ecrin.
Cannes Regatta – 09:00-14:00 – Sponsored by Paul & Shark – Includes shuttle service from the Majestic Hotel at 08:30 to Port Canto welcome coffee and picnic lunch on board.
Interested in hosting your own TWFA Cannes yacht party or villa party? Let our experts give you a hand with the venue search.
We haven’t even mentioned “The Scene” yet! This 60’s-themed week-long party at the Palais Beach will be the go-to spot after a long day of events. Last year, APA had a cocktail yacht party that blew all other parties out of the water! Word on the street is they will host another this year!
On Thursday evening, TFWA Cannes attendees can enjoyLe Premium Evening! The international stars, The Illusionists, will perform disappearing acts, mind reading and more. Also, dishes from world-renowned chef Romain Gandolphe will be prepared before your eyes. Entrance by invitation only, and if you’ve purchased the full-delegate package.
Since 2005, TFWA has been supporting charitable causes and funding projects that provide vital care to those in need. What’s more, this year TFWA Care will add 6 new charities to support, such as Soulcial Trust, Fundación Nuria García, Streethearts, Sunrise Cambodia, Aide et Action, and Hand in Hand for Haiti! Because of the donations accumulated, women and children all over the world are being supported. 13 global charities will receive a portion of the millions of euros that TWFA raises to make an impact.
This TFWA Cannes is expecting over 6,000 attendees and 530+ exhibitors this year, so you don’t want to miss out! If you and your team need group TFWA Cannes accommodation, airport transfers, or help planning a private event with your clients, drop us a message at [email protected].