TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2026 set a new attendance record for the second consecutive year, attracting 8,011 visitors from 185 countries to Cannes, France, from September 27 to October 1.
The exhibition featured 482 exhibiting companies across 26,266 square meters. Visitors were primarily from Europe (56%), followed by Asia-Oceania (17%), the Middle East (12%), the Americas (11%), and Africa (4%). Duty-free and travel retail operators, agents, and distributors made up 65% of attendees.
Nearly 2,000 meetings between exhibitors and professionals were arranged through the ONE2ONE meeting service to foster business opportunities.
The TFWA World Conference’s opening event saw 1,517
attendees, complemented by four workshops that collectively engaged 278 participants on travel retail challenges and trends.
Start-Up Day, supported by Mondelēz, featured 10 emerging companies aiming to enhance innovation in travel retail. Stéphanie Hourlay, Sales Director at Levita Magic, noted encouraging conversations exploring new in-store creativity.
The TFWA Management Committee and Board were elected for 2026–2028, including Jean-Pierre Bombet (Vice-President Finance), Priscilla Haibe de Walque (Vice-President Corporate), Irene Giatra (Vice-President Commercial, Estée Lauder Companies), Alessio Crivelli (Vice-President Marketing), and Sam Gerber (Vice-President Conference & Research).
Networking events drew over 3,000 guests at the Opening Cocktail at Carlton Beach and more
than 2,700 visitors at the TFWA Lounge during the final evening, with Irene Giatra highlighting their role in generating new ideas and partnerships.
Social impact initiatives included the fourth Yes We Cannes! Handisport, organized with Stade Toulousain Handisport and m1nd-set, and the #KickCancerThon, launched by The Moodie Davitt Report. Delegates cycled 1,502 kilometers, prompting TFWA to donate €15,022 to The Royal Marsden Hospital.
TFWA renewed its partnership with SEMEC, ensuring the event remains in Cannes for at least the next three years starting in 2027. The next TFWA World Exhibition & Conference is scheduled for October 3-7, 2027.
