The China Duty Free Group (CDFG), Central Japan International Airport (Nagoya), Alibaba, Ctrip.com and Lagardère Travel Retail are among the companies that are due to take to the stage at the 2019 Tax Free World Association (TFWA) China’s Century Conference.
According to a TFWA press note, the conference is scheduled to be held in partnership with the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APRTA) at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Haitang Bay, Sanya, Hainan province, on March 5-7.
‘TFWA will welcome the Department of Commerce and Department of Finance of Hainan province as co-hosts and Sanya Phoenix International Airport as official airport of this year’s event,’ the note said. ‘CDFG has also confirmed its support as Diamond Sponsor, while Cartier and Interparfums join as Platinum Sponsors.
‘On the first day, following a welcome by the Hainan Department of Commerce, CDFG president Charles Chen will share his vision of the future of travel retail in China. Kevin Guo, general manager of strategic co-operation and marketing innovation for Ctrip.com, will examine the latest travel and shopping trends among Chinese tourists, while the changing tastes of Chinese travellers will be examined by Masanao Tomozoe, president and CEO of Central Japan International Airport Co. (Nagoya) and Eudes Fabre, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail China.’
Delegates are due to be given highlights from an exclusive study commissioned by TFWA and APTRA and conducted by Counter Intelligence Retail, which looks at new trends and perceptions among young Chinese consumers. Additional insights will be presented by speakers including Mirko Wang, CEO of popular shopping comparison app Jessica’s Secret. And a panel of senior executives from WeChat and Alibaba will offer their perspectives on the rise of e-commerce and resulting changes to consumer behaviour.
‘Day two of the conference will explore further core themes affecting the Chinese market, ranging from the ever-growing influence of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to new opportunities arising from the growth in the cruise market in China,’ the note said. ‘Economist and author Ann Lee will explore how the world is conducting business with China, while Dr. Eve Ren, president of the Institute for Tourism Studies, and Andrea Belardini, CEO Asia, ME and Australia at Dufry, will analyse the future of Chinese domestic tourism and resulting opportunities in travel retail.’
“As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Chinese duty free and travel retail industry, TFWA China’s Century Conference looks set to be as compelling as ever,” said
Alain Maingreaud, TFWA president. “I’d like to thank all our sponsors and speakers for supporting the event, which will provide delegates with exclusive insight into this fascinating and fast-evolving market.”
Registration and further information are available here.