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TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026

The TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026 will feature a revamped exhibition layout, organized around category-specific “Worlds” to enhance intuitive navigation, brand visibility, and quality interactions among exhibitors, buyers, and partners. The event will include clearer zoning across levels, with central meeting hubs serving as natural connection points. Confirmed exhibition areas are World of Beauty, World of Fashion & Accessories, World of Wines & Spirits, World of Confectionery & Fine Food, World of Innovation, Launchpads, and Taste of the World.



Over 160 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, including L’Oréal, SKII, Estée Lauder, Shiseido, Lacoste, Miki House, Paul & Shark, Skechers, Travel Blue, LEGO, Swarovski, Thélios, EssilorLuxottica, Brown-Forman, Suntory, Moutai, Mondelez, Nestlé, Mars, and Lindt.


This year's edition featured a revamped exhibition layout organized into distinct 'Worlds', designed to enhance navigation and provide a more structured and efficient visitor experience. The concept grouped brands and partners into clearly defined sectors: World of Perfumes & Cosmetics, World of Fashion & Accessories, covering electronics, travel accessories, gifts, toys, jewellery and watches, World of Wines & Spirits, and World of Confectionery & Fine Food, along with tobacco, as well as dedicated zones such as World of Innovation, Launchpad, and Taste of the World. 



Initial feedback from exhibitors and visitors suggests that the format has improved product visibility, reinforced category-led merchandising, and facilitated more targeted and productive meetings across the show floor. 'The new category-led organization brought a fresh dynamic to the fair, fostering more focused conversations and stronger immersion within complementary brand universes. It also highlighted the increasing role of gastronomy and premium food as powerful drivers of experience and differentiation in travel retail,' said Zeyneb Larabi, Global Travel Retail Advisor at Valrhona. 


The Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026 will run from 10-14 May 2026, uniting the travel retail community in a region that is continually evolving and shaping the future of the industry. With a diverse mix of global and regional brands and key retailers already confirmed, the event promises unparalleled opportunities for discovery and deal-making.



Alongside a robust conference program and high-level speakers, the week will feature workshops and networking moments designed to foster insight, exchange, and new opportunities. “We look forward to welcoming delegates for a week of business and connection,” said Sarah Branquinho, President of TFWA.


The TFWA Asia Pacific Conference began with an address by TFWA President Sarah Branquinho, followed by contributions from:

  • Sunil Tuli, President of APTRA, discussing Asia Pacific priorities and advocacy

  • Kishore Mahbubani, on Asia’s rise and the shifting forces shaping its growth

  • Professor Hyunjin Kim (INSEAD), on building future businesses through innovation and strategy

  • Chef Akira Back, on creating unforgettable travel experiences through culinary creativity and connection


The conference will be moderated by author, venture capitalist, and former AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani, and TFWA Conference Director Michele Miranda.

A focused workshop program will occur in the World of Innovation Agora, offering additional insights into leadership, innovation, and key regional markets.


Tuesday 12 May

  • 10:00–11:00 AM — AP Travel Retail Pulse: A Health Check and the Innovation Imperative

  • 3:00–4:00 PM — TFWA C-Suite: The Innovators’ Agenda


Wednesday 13 May

  • 10:00–11:00 AM — TFWA Market Watch: China

  • 3:00–4:00 PM — TFWA Market Watch: India


Taste of the World

The new gastronomy-led destination located in Basement 2, Taste of the World will celebrate global food and beverage culture, and hybrid retailing through a high-energy, experience-driven format. The space will feature live demonstrations and show cooking, immersive brand activations, beverage-led concepts, and premium hospitality, fully integrating the TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge to create a central engagement point throughout the week.



Launchpads

Additionally, Launchpads will offer a new platform for emerging and niche perfume and cosmetic brands not yet present in travel retail, aiming to connect them directly with industry decision-makers.


Networking Highlights

Delegates can anticipate a curated program of networking experiences, hosted at some of Singapore’s most renowned venues, including:

  • The Welcome Cocktail, themed ‘Aura’, at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay on Sunday evening, inspired by the official 2026 visual identity.

  • TFWA Asia Pacific Lounge, integrated within Taste of the World, offering additional networking opportunities on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

  • The Closing Event on Wednesday evening at Alkaff Mansion, featuring a Speakeasy Chic theme with a dress code of timeless suits and elegant dresses.


Post-Event Synopsis

The 2026 edition attracted 2,814 visitors from the Asia Pacific region and beyond. This included attendees from a record 58 major airports, as well as representatives from leading airlines and cruise lines, making up 10% of the participants. Both established and emerging duty-free and travel retail operators represented 30% of the visitors. Agents and distributors comprised the largest group, accounting for 38% of attendees. The event hosted 200 exhibitors across all major categories, showcasing new product launches, activations, and retail concepts. It featured a strong mix of established global leaders and 60 first-time exhibitors and emerging players, including 10 highlighted in the Launchpad venue, reflecting the scale and ongoing evolution of the Asia Pacific duty-free and travel retail market.


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