TFWA Asia Pacific to proceed

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Tax Free World Association has confirmed that TFWA Asia Pacific will proceed as planned from May 20-23. The association took the decision after consulting the relevant authorities in Singapore, and has also reviewed the advice of the World Health Organisation

The association has been given assurance by the Singapore Health Authority that the control of the SARS virus has improved and that measures implemented on the island to halt the import of new cases are being carefully managed.

The decision to proceed was taken by the TFWA Management Committee, which is composed of elected industry brand suppliers, at its meeting in London on Friday. TFWA president Erik Juul-Mortensen said: "This is clearly a serious situation. However, we have full confidence in the Singaporean authorities' control of the matter and we firmly believe in the need for this industry to look and plan ahead beyond the current crisis. Our decision reflects our firm support both for the travel-retail industry and for the region."

TFWA said the vast majority of exhibitors have maintained their participation at the event. Buyers continued to pre-register and to book hotel rooms, the association added.

TFWA ceo Andrew Ford said: "The association fully recognizes the seriousness of the SARS situation and will, of course, continue to monitor closely developments in Asia and beyond."