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Tuesday 1 3 May 2025 5 T F W A D A I L Y Sunil Tuli, President, Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA), yesterday shared insights on the association’s key projects and advocacy initiatives driving progress in the Asia Pacific travel retail sector. Yesterday, Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore, delivered a Welcome Address in the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference. Sunil Tuli, President, Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association: “Constant vigilance is required on specific issues and growing government trends, many of which are designed for domestic policy but could also pose threats to travel retail.” Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore: “In a more dynamic world, my team and I will continue our journey together with you. We will reflect on the strength of our journey over the decades, overcome the current challenges, and then look forward to extending and expanding our journey together.” APTRA’s strategic focus on advocacy, insight and collaboration A shared journey of growth I n yesterday’s TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, Sunil Tuli, President, Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA), shared the association’s mission to bring the industry together and stimulate growth opportunities for its members. Last month, Mumbai was the setting for the second APTRA India Conference. “India is set to become the world’s fourth largest economy this year overtaking Japan, according to the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook,” said Tuli. “This is a nation with high expectations of digital convenience and seamless interface in the shopper journey, steering travel retail towards more immersive experiences to unlock the full potential of the market.” APTRA is currently working with retailers and airports in India to advocate for an increase in the arrivals allowance, which has not been reviewed for over eight years. A s a vital hub for trade and business in Asia Pacific, Singapore is key to driving regional growth. TFWA was honoured to welcome Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Republic of Singapore, who delivered opening remarks in yesterday’s conference. Minister Tan noted that Singapore’s journey with TFWA has spanned decades. “This marks the 26th time Singapore is hosting this event. Your continued presence in Singapore rea ffi rms our status as Asia Pacific’s hub for travel, trade, and business events.” 2024 was a landmark year for Singapore’s tourism sector. “We welcomed 16.5 million international visitors – a 21% increase from the year before – and achieved record tourism receipts of nearly $30 billion,” said Minister Tan. “We saw healthy growth across key markets, including Mainland China, Japan, Indonesia, and India.” Singapore is bullish on its travel and tourism sector. “We are in for the long-term,” Minister Tan commented. “And with the Beyond India, a key role for APTRA is monitoring the regulatory landscape across over 45 countries. “Constant vigilance is required on specific issues and growing government trends, many of which are designed for domestic policy but could also pose threats to travel retail unless the unique dynamics of our industry are properly communicated in government stakeholder engagement and that’s where APTRA provides a united industry voice,” Tuli explained. He closed by emphasising that APTRA is a powerful tool to support the industry. “It’s fuelled by the power of the member base and has three strategic priorities – advocacy, knowledge-sharing and networking – designed to help the industry thrive. Membership is open to all businesses operating in travel retail and duty free. If you’re not yet a member, I encourage you to join.” recent conclusion of our general elections, we have the strong support of our people to execute on our ambitious plans for the future. Like our air hub status, embodied by the jewel in our crown – Changi Airport.” In 2024, Changi Airport served nearly 70 million passengers, a 15% year-on-year rise. “We are only ge tt ing started in our journey to expand Changi Airport,” said Minister Tan. “We are building Terminal 5, which will increase total annual passenger handling capacity to 135 million. We are not only making Changi Airport bigger, we are making it faster. We are making journeys through Changi Airport even more seamless for travellers.” Minister Tan concluded with a message that a journey taken with friends is the best kind of journey there is. “In a more dynamic world, my team and I will continue our journey together with you. We will reflect on the strength of our journey over the decades, overcome the current challenges, and then look forward to extending and expanding our journey together.”