cannes_2024_TUESDAY_ISSUE

Sandro Bottega Managing Director, Bottega T FWA’s 40th anniversary means that I am a grandfather, as I have attended the events every year since 1991. This industry survives any crisis and continues to grow until passengers are consumers. The industry is the preferred channel for brands to launch their best products. The first year I attended, my stand was the smallest in the Mediterranean Village but it was already shining, and we had a huge number of operators stopping by, for their curiosity. At that time our business was mainly grappa, which in the following years became an international spirit. Looking ahead, I hope that travel retail will again be the original industry where ‘tax-free’ also means the best prices. Emanuele Mazziotta Chief Operat ing Off icer, Coccinel le C occinelle is honoured to be part of the industry and a member of TFWA for the past decade. TFWA connects people from all over the world and has built a very strong community, allowing brands and members to create connections and network with retailers and travel retail authorities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Association for everything it has done for the industry and the commitment it has shown continuously over the past 40 years, wishing an ever-brighter future. I have memories of every single event and conference that TFWA has organised, along with the exhibitions themselves. Every year I create memories that I cherish throughout the following months, eagerly awaiting the next edition. Every single year the Association builds the milestones of our industry. Travel Retail is a key strategic channel for brands to increase visibility and create product desirability among customers and potential new ones worldwide. I hope that the industry continues to grow, connecting increasingly more people worldwide. Barry Geoghegan Founder, Duty Free Global I have been very lucky to have been on the TFWA Management Committee (MC) for the last 4 years and I have seen first-hand the incredible work that goes on with the MC and more importantly with the permanent staff in Paris to make each event such a great success. I think the whole global travel retail channel has benefited from the great energy and creativity that TFWA has given over the last 40 years, and it is certainly a milestone to celebrate and be very proud of. There have been some wonderful industry gatherings throughout the world organised by the TFWA, but as with most people I think the Cannes event is the industry’s spiritual home. I have enjoyed some great conferences and some super social events, but the best memory for me is the time we all got back together after the pandemic to meet after such a long gap caused by the Covid crisis. To see the smiles on everyone’s face it was clear we had missed our great industry, and it was so good to be back! I look forward to the industry continuing to be the driver for our channel and to encourage new brands, newmarkets, and many new attendees to come to the TFWA events and experience what makes this industry so special. Tuesday 1 Oc tobe r 2024 57 T F W A D A I L Y