TFWA World Exhibition visitors up 9%

27/09/2011 A strong increase in visitors capped a fine week of business as TFWA World Exhibition 2011 came to an end in Cannes last week.

TFWA World Exhibition 2011 closed in Cannes last week having welcomed a total of 5,868 delegates from 2,737 companies, up 9% and 6% respectively on last year. They visited an exhibition of 457 companies, of which 37 were new or returning, as well as a well-attended conference, insight-led workshops and a variety of social and leisure activities.

The conference on Monday September 19 drew a record crowd of 888 delegates thanks to a high-powered speaker line-up including Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the UN, Michele Norsa, CEO Salvatore Ferragamo, Stephane Garelli, Professor at the International Institute for Management Development and Erik Juul-Mortensen, TFWA President.

Later in the week the two targeted workshops – one on the airline, cruise and ferry markets and one on emerging markets in Asia Pacific – also drew strong early morning crowds of about 160 and 200 delegates respectively, thanks to an accessible combination of consumer research, market data and expert analysis. On Sunday September 18, 225 delegates braved the unseasonal rain to participate in activities including golf, jogging, petanque, beach volleyball and two cultural experiences – wine tasting at L’Abbaye de Lerins and a perfume masterclass in Grasse. Later that evening 1,380 people attended a breezy Opening Cocktail at Palm Beach, with fireworks generously provided by the City of Cannes. Throughout the week The Scene provided a venue for delegates to relax, unwind and network after hours, with a special party on Wednesday 21 September to celebrate its tenth anniversary. And on Thursday 22 September 900 guests attended the social highlight of the week, Le Premium Evening, featuring a gala dinner and a unique concert from singer-songwriter James Blunt. Of the total visitor numbers, 1,818 (+15%) delegates were key duty free operators and retailers from 548 companies (+9%). The most significant areas of growth were in delegations from Asia at +15% and Europe +11% with +13% from Africa, +4% from the Americas and a drop of -6% from the Middle East and -12% from Oceania.

Full multimedia coverage of TFWA World Exhibition 2011 will be online soon – featuring photo galleries, video highlights, delegate feedback and more added-value content from the exhibition, conference, workshops and social events.