Strong show attendance defies regional turmoil

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The strong attendance at this year's Duty Free Show of the Americas could prove a positive pointer for the year ahead, IAADFS has said.

Association executive director Michael Payne has been upbeat about show week despite the problems that have faced the duty-free industry in the Americas over the past few months. "Given the economic situation and the whole travel industry we are doing very well with the show. We are about 5% to 7% below last year, but that's an excellent mark to meet given the circumstances. There were actually more buyers pre-registered than last year."

According to Payne companies are very focussed on driving the business forward despite the tough market conditions. "There is a lot of optimism about signs of recovery. The business is beginning to pick up with perhaps Argentina being the exception. Any time an industry sector goes through a lean time, it becomes streamlined and fitter by definition. Companies trim excess, whether people or properties and that varies from company to company."

Payne added: "What is encouraging is that the right people are here. We have got the leadership we wanted from the concessionaires and suppliers. On the exhibitor side, there were a couple of last minute cancellations, but we have been abe to reconfigure the exhibit hall accordingly. The suites are all full. Some of the advertising and marketing sectors are the only thing I have noticed that are down. But sponsors have been very generous for the golf, tennis, fishing and Philip Morris turned out a great St Patrick's Day event."