The Tax Free World Exhibition (TFWA), an annual international meeting specialising in the duty free and travel retail industries, will take place from 27 September to 1 October 2026. The event is the only one of its kind in the world, and is attended by more than 3,000 prestigious brands.
In this article, we’ll explain what it’s all about and focus on how to register if you’re interested in this unique event.
What is the TFWA and what are its objectives?
The TFWA is a conglomerate of luxury brands, including watches, jewellery and other fashion accessories, whose missions are to identify current trends and opportunities in the duty free and travel-retail markets; maintain commercial relations between the various market players; find sales augmentation support; raise awareness about and provide a commercial platform for the various stakeholders so that the sector can prosper.
In doing this, the TFWA helps to establish close relationships between suppliers and operators, while playing an essential role in representing the interests of its members and the industry as a whole.
The event will be attended by world-class companies such as L’Oréal, LVMH and Estée Lauder. In all, more than 3,000 famous brands will gather for the occasion!
In addition to prestigious companies, a number of VIP delegates will also be in attendance, including TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen, who will be the first to take to the new stage for a farewell speech on the state of the industry, before stepping down at the end of the year. Then, in a conversation with renowned conference moderator and journalist Stephen Sackur, former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will share her thoughts on the current geopolitical landscape and its implications for international trade. These delegates will also be able to take part in original activities organised by the TFWA organisers and exhibitors.
The TFWA also takes other aspects of tax-free international trade into account: finding new products, showcasing them to promote sales to international customers, understanding market challenges, implementing effective action plans… these are the key issues that are studied and addressed each year at this event.
To put it plainly, this professional trade show makes a major contribution to the commercial dynamic as a whole, and not just in terms of duty-free sales.
The TFWA's main activities and conferences
A wide range of activities and conferences are planned for the 2026 edition of the TFWA: centred on the theme ‘Shaping the World of Travel Retail’, the programme will feature targeted conferences and workshops from the start of the week. These events will provide an opportunity for leading figures in the sector to discuss changes within the industry and debate the future challenges facing the duty-free sector.
In addition to these speeches, one of the most popular meetings at the event is the ONE2ONE Meeting Service, which takes place at the end of the week and aims to introduce exhibiting brands, buyers, airport representatives and sales agents to each other. Its raison d’être: to drive the sector forward by networking the various players involved. As well as urging you to take part in ONE2ONE, the TFWA recommends five steps to maximise your networking opportunities:
- Evaluate your eligibility – is your company an exhibitor, a duty free and travel retail operator, a sales agent, an airport authority or an airline?
- Pre-register for TFWA World Exhibition & Conference.
- Pre-register to confirm your interest in ONE2ONE and nominate up to two representatives from your company.
- Complete your company profile and the upcoming projects section on the ONE2ONE online platform using the access codes provided after pre-registration.
- TFWA will contact you to arrange meetings with the participants you want to see.
How to participate in TFWA 2026
To attend the 2026 edition (from 27 September to 1 October in Cannes), pre-registration and badge applications must be completed online via the official website, tfwa.com. If you have any questions about your eligibility or the accreditation process, please contact the association’s team directly.
Taking part in the event gives accredited visitors the opportunity to discover some spectacular stands and to take part in conferences and workshops.
Enjoy an unforgettable stay just steps from the Palais des Congrès and Cannes Festival, by choosing one of our ideally located accommodations. Whether you are on a business trip or here for pleasure, our accommodation options are designed to meet all your expectations.
Tips and directions to the TFWA in Cannes
Getting to and from the TFWA couldn’t be easier: all you have to do is go to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, which is just 27 kilometres from Nice-Côte d’Azur airport. Bus services take you straight to the venue. Also, the SNCF train station is just a 5-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
Come and take part in TFWA with IMMOSOL
The TFWA is an unmissable international trade show if you work in the duty free and travel retail industries. It will introduce you to the latest trends in marketing opportunities and strategies, and provides an opportunity to develop your professional network. You want to attend but haven’t found suitable accommodation yet? This is where IMMOSOL steps in! Make life easier by visiting our website to compare the various types of accommodation and find the one that best suits your needs!