TFWA issues statement over SARS situation

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Tax Free World Association is monitoring the SARS threat in Asia Pacific in advance of its regional exhibition, which takes place in the week beginning May 20

TFWA said: "Since the outbreak of SARS the association has continued to receive registrations and from March 28 to April 11 key visitor numbers increased from 567 to 931. Of the April 11 total, 402 (43%) are buyers or airport authorities and 505 (54%) are agents. Naturally there are doubts in the industry regarding expected buyer attendance at the exhibition but, after a quick survey, TFWA can confirm that buyers expect to be present, among others, from Japan's Nagoya and Narita airports, Singapore Airlines, Korea's Paradise Duty Free, Tourvest Duty Free Inflight of South Africa, BAA/World Duty Free, King Power Thailand and the major operators from the Middle East region." The association is contacting other buyers to assess the level of potential delegates.

TFWA ceo Andrew Ford said: "What is unfortunate is that prior to the SARS outbreak we had over double the number of visitors registered for the event this year. A combination of a lot of promotion, an improved direct marketing campaign, and Gate One had had a wonderful effect on getting more industry decision-makers to pre-register for the event. Over the next few days of telephoning we will have a better picture of buyer intentions than we did a week ago."

Yesterday, DFNI and TRW released details of a poll of buyers that revealed many were still waiting until early May to make final decisions on participating. (See related story below).

TFWA has also sent a letter to exhibitors asking if they wanted to move their stands to new and possibly better locations for the week in Singapore.