cannes_2024_MONDAY_ISSUE_FINAL

Festive feel: i ndus t ry ce l ebrates TFWA’s mi l es tone 40 th ann i ve rsary There is a celebratory theme at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference as the Association commemorates its 40th anniversary. Here, leading figures from the duty free & travel retail industry share their messages and memories, congratulating TFWA on the milestone. Look out for more on TFWA’s 40th anniversary in subsequent issues of the TFWA Daily throughout the week in Cannes. Erik Juul-Mortensen TFWA President F rom the day of our inception 40 years ago, the principle of TFWA has been “By the trade, for the trade”. I sincerely hope that this principle will continue to guide the Association going forward. Cooperation between all players in this fantastic industry is vital. I hope and trust that this cooperation will continue, and even develop further, as we meet the challenges that face us now, as well as those which we will doubtless face in the future. Through the many years I’ve been involved, I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful and interesting people – something I shall always remember very fondly. Another highlight has been hosting the keynote speakers we have had to address our conferences. All have been excellent, but one or two have definitely stood out as truly fantastic human beings. I am very optimistic about the future of the global duty free and travel retail market. I sincerely believe that TFWA will continue to play an important role in the ongoing positive development of the industry. Ian McLuskie Original signatory and former VP of TFWA M y first exposure to the significance of duty free (DF) was in 1973, when I attended the inaugural DF Show, in Amsterdam. It was organised by one of the industry’s leading trade magazines. This event, which alternated annually between Cannes and Nice, quickly became a cornerstone of the DF calendar. By the early 1980s, it was clear that the DF trade needed to take control of its own destiny. A group of us formed a non-profit organisation that united suppliers and operators to promote the DF business globally. The first Tax Free World Exhibition (TFWE) was held in 1984, and its success established it as one of France’s most prestigious events. Watching TFWA grow internationally has been nothing short of amazing. I have countless memories, but the inaugural TFWE stands out. The blend of business and social events, culminating in the Gala Dinner, was designed to foster connections. Who could forget the fireworks and performances by legends like Elton John, Shirley Bassey, and Charles Aznavour? To TFWA, it was always a pleasure to be part of this journey. We worked hard and had fun. If I am still around in 10 years, please invite me back for the 50th anniversary. Alain Bonardo, Member of the f irst TFWA Management Committee I t is always important to remember what were the reasons that pushed a few courageous suppliers and their representatives to create a new trade show ‘by the trade, for the trade’ and therefore to take our destiny and our future back. It was far from an easy task because we had in front of us a well-established private group that wanted to keep this financially healthy Cannes show at any price. As one of the founding members of our Association, I was proud to be part of the adventure. We are in a fast-changing world and our industry has to always innovate and stay creative. TFWA is our platform that works for our common interest and therefore needs your full support. Monday 30 September 2024 36 T F W A D A I L Y