TFWA Asia Pacific reflects regional rebound

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A strong turnout of key buyers and agents at this year?s event suggested that the Asia/Pacific trade is facing a brighter future

Tax Free World Association has announced an 8% increase in the number of key buyers and airport authority representatives at last week's TFWA Asia Pacific event. A total of 1790 people from 894 companies visited the exhibition on one or more of the four days, compared to 1707 at the last show in 2002.

569 (32%) were key buyers from travel-retail outlets and airport authorities and 666 (37%) were agents. TFWA said that the number of press covering the exhibition and conference was 23% higher than in 2002, and included TV and radio producers as well as regional, local and lifestyle publications.

The Association also noted the ?Gate One effect?: a 14% increase in the number of visitors who registered for TFWA Asia Pacific on Thursday, the opening day of the Global Airport Trading Event which also took place in the Singapore Suntec Centre.

?I believe the return of TFWA Asia Pacific was a great success overall with a very pleasing visitor turnout and spread,? said TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen. ?This demonstrates the confidence which is evident now and in the future of the region. I noticed a great feeling of optimism among visitors and exhibitors after a depressing year for the industry, although it should not be forgotten that there are still regions fighting to come back.?