Industry Analysis

The biggest players in duty free and travel retail convened in Cannes to confirm what was already felt by many – we are well and truly back in business. As ever, the Templemere team was there to manage the press office and media relations, and came away from the event with a number of key insights.

#1 - Conversations are leading to action

Since the industry began its recovery from the pandemic, there has been plenty of talk about ‘doing business’ - but the time for talk is over, and this year deals were ‘being done’. The mood of the industry has noticeably moved on from excitement over the return of the industry, to truly being prepared to get down to business.

#2 - Digital is now an essential part of the airport experience

Our everyday lives in 2022 are not only enriched by digital elements, but outright reliant on them. Whether mapping a route, browsing stores, or booking a taxi – digital is now very much a necessity. The duty free and travel retail experience must reflect this and offer a state of the art digital journey that’s up to the standard of current high street trends.

#3 - An upbeat atmosphere reflected the tone of the industry

The tone of the industry has shifted even further, with a positive vibe being evident throughout the week. Exhibitors and visitors were in buoyant moods, both in the exhibition halls and after the day was done at the TFWA Lounge where people had to be persuaded to leave long after the bar had closed at 2pm!

#4 - There’s no ‘back to normal’

Taking to the stage to open the conference, TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen spoke of how the landscape has changed forever as a result of the last two years. Whatever the past looked like, there’s no going back. This is a new world and in order to thrive, businesses need to adapt to the trends, themes and attitudes of a post-pandemic industry.