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M a Yan, General Manager, Sino- Singapore Chongqing Airport Commercial Management Co. Ltd, is speaking in tomorrow’s China Watch Workshop. China’s status as the world’s second- largest aviation market underscores its tremendous commercial potential, particularly within its airport sectors. “Chinese airports, buoyed by rapidly increasing passenger traffic and a burgeoning middle class eager for both domestic and international travel, present ripe opportunities for retail growth,” says Yan. “Notably, due to stringent regulations on duty free retail and a domestic traffic majority of approximately 90%, duty-paid retail emerges as the principal revenue generator at most Chinese airports. The pre-security areas, capable of expansion, are particularly poised for escalating this duty- paid revenue.” The strategic extension of satellite terminals enhances the commercial viability of landside zones like check-in halls. “These areas, pivotal for both travellers from various terminals and non-travellers such as airport staff and residents, are China Watch: “The shi f t from bas i c ameni t i es to a diverse retai l exper i ence i s evident” China Duty Free Group enhanc ing digi tal capabi l i t i es to e l evate the customer exper i ence Ma Yan, General Manager, Sino-Singapore Chongqing Airport Commercial Management Co. Ltd: “The shift from basic amenities to a diverse retail experience is evident with the introduction of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, now present in five Chinese airports, alongside a proliferation of specialty stores.” increasingly being viewed as lucrative retail hubs,” Yan explains. “Their proximity to ground transportation and urban centres further augments their potential. This evolution aligns with the broader strategy of transforming landside transport centres into multifunctional complexes, thereby initiating a new growth trajectory in airport commercial development.” Simultaneously, the landscape of airport retail in China has undergone significant evolution. “The shift from basic amenities to a diverse retail experience is evident with the introduction of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, now present in five Chinese airports, alongside a proliferation of specialty stores,” Yan adds. “This transition is complemented by an increased focus on digital integration, offering passengers a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.” T omorrow’s China Watch Workshop (08:00-09:00, Begonia Room, Level 3, Marina Bay Sands), will hear fromMatt Liao, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Branding and Public Relations, China Duty Free Group. “At the China Watch Workshop at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, I will engage with participants in exploring new trends in travel retail consumption,” Liao shares. “We will focus on three key areas: a more relaxed environment, China Duty Free Group’s stable development and strong confidence, and the evolving needs and experiences of consumers. By examining these factors, we aim to enhance digital capabilities to elevate the customer experience, unlock new opportunities in China’s travel retail market, and collaborate towards propelling the global duty free and travel retail industry to a thriving future.” In the realm of physical retail channels, China Duty Free Group is continually refining its business portfolio by spearheading initiatives that seamlessly blend entertainment, leisure, and art into immersive retail experiences. “At cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex, visitors are transported to a fantastical Hainan paradise through the uniquely captivating ‘Aura: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky’ atrium installation, an exclusive creation of CDFG,” Liao explains. “The ‘Meet You Museum’ series seamlessly integrates art into the shopping experience, while the ball screen flying theatre takes customers on exhilarating virtual journeys. The Global Beauty Plaza located at Block C of cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex is dedicated solely to fragrance and cosmetics. This one-of-a-kind space features Hainan’s first integrated SPA centre, offering an oasis of pampering and relaxation.” Matt Liao, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Branding and Public Relations, China Duty Free Group: “At the China Watch Workshop at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, I will engage with participants in exploring new trends in travel retail consumption. We will focus on three key areas: a more relaxed environment, China Duty Free Group’s stable development and strong confidence, and the evolving needs and experiences of consumers.” Monday 1 3 May 2024 14 T F W A D A I L Y