The TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2026 in Cannes drew a record 8,011 visitors from 185 countries from September 27 to October 1, marking a second consecutive year of attendance growth. Visitors comprised 65% duty-free and travel retail operators, agents, or distributors. The geographic breakdown of attendees included 56% from Europe, 17% from Asia-Oceania, 12% from the Middle East, 11% from the Americas, and 4% from Africa.
Exhibitor Participation and Business Meetings
The exhibition featured 482 exhibiting companies spread over 26,266 square meters of space. Among these were 54 new exhibitors entering the event for the first time. The ONE2ONE meeting service supported almost 2,000
business meetings, connecting exhibitors with industry professionals throughout the week.
Conference and Workshop Attendance
The opening TFWA World Conference attracted 1,517 attendees, presenting industry insights including a State of the Industry address by TFWA President Sarah Branquinho. Four workshops drew a combined total of 278 participants, focusing on pressing travel retail sector challenges and sharing targeted knowledge.
Innovation and Social Responsibility Initiatives
Start-Up Day, backed by Mondelēz, spotlighted 10 emerging companies offering innovative approaches to travel retail. Levita Magic’s Sales Director identified the event as key for gaining exposure and fostering creativity in travel retail engagement. The event also hosted #KickCancerThon, encouraging delegates to cycle stationary bikes, accumulating 1,502
kilometers and resulting in a €15,022 donation to The Royal Marsden Hospital for cancer research. The fourth ‘Yes We Cannes!’ Handisport event promoted inclusion through adaptive sports.
Networking Events and Governance
Networking remained central, with over 3,000 guests at the Opening Cocktail at Carlton Beach and more than 2,700 attendees at the TFWA Lounge’s final evening. TFWA announced its 2026–2028 Management Committee and Board, with newly appointed members including Jean-Pierre Bombet (Vice-President Finance), Priscilla Haibe de Walque (Vice-President Corporate), Irene Giatra (Vice-President Commercial), Alessio Crivelli (Vice-President Marketing), and Sam Gerber (Vice-President Conference & Research). Key industry leaders stressed the event’s role in strengthening relationships,
generating fresh business ideas, and fostering collaboration.
The TFWA and SEMEC partnership was renewed on September 28, 2026, securing Cannes as the location of the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference for at least three more years starting in 2027. The next edition will take place from October 3 to 7, 2027.
Sarah Branquinho noted the event’s record attendance as reflecting its continuing significance, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation to achieve sustainable growth aligned with evolving traveler demands. The event sponsors included Qatar Duty Free as the main partner of the TFWA Lounge, alongside Haribo, Heineken, Lakrids by Bülow,
Liviko Crafter’s, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, Pringles, Santa Margherita, Seeberger, Storck, Walker’s Shortbread, and Wonderful Pistachios, contributing to the event’s success.
