APTRA India Conference Set To Illuminate Regions Vital Travel Retail Market

India’s burgeoning travel-retail market is gathering global attention, driven by its large and expanding population, increased air travel, rising tourist numbers, and the growing affluence and international travel interest of the Indian middle class.

No wonder Sunil Tuli, President of APTRA, recently labelled India as another “powerhouse” in the Asia Pacific region, besides China.

The overreliance on the Chinese consumer has been a cautionary tale for the industry, which is looking for ways to diversify its consumer base to ensure a sustainable future.

APTRA is spotlighting this market with a two-day conference focused on Indian travel retail and its influence on global retail, scheduled for 20-21 March 2024 in New Delhi.

The Indian Travel Retail Market is forecast to surge from US$1.67bn in 2023 to US$4.44bn by 2028, with a CAGR of 21.59% from 2023-2028, according to Mordor Intelligence. This market is seen as a pivotal sector in Indian retail, boosted by the country’s strengthening role as a business hub and tourist destination.

India has always been strong for the confectionery and whisky categories; Lindt & Sprüngli Global Travel Retail’s festive Diwali Lindor activations lighting up airports across the Middle East & India last year, for instance, as well as the numerous exclusive whisky offerings.

Encouragingly, the Indian consumer is widening its horizons and the market is increasingly becoming attractive for the launch of new brands and categories.

For instance, Diageo’s expansion of Tequila Don Julio 1942 was showcased at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Diageo Global Travel’s Andrew Cowan emphasised the focus on expanding in the Asia Pacific, with India a key market.

Beauty brands are also targeting India. In February, Shiseido announced the launch of makeup brand NARS in India as it looks to accelerate growth in the Asia Pacific region and “satisfy the diverse beauty needs of Indian consumers”.

The company said that over recent years, India’s beauty market has evolved considerably, with sophisticated consumers actively adding global, prestige brands to their products selection.

Tuli stated that APTRA’s 2024 conference aims to illuminate this vital travel retail market, noting the increasing premiumisation and changing preferences of Indian travellers and their impact on global travel retail shopping.

The conference promises insights into current and future market dynamics and networking opportunities with Indian and international stakeholders.

Sunil Tuli

He commented: “APTRA is excited to bring this important event to the travel retail industry in 2024. India is a tremendous market, with unrivalled pace, performance and potential. The Indian traveller is premiumising with new preferences on where and why they choose to travel and that is influencing how they shop in travel retail. APTRA’s conference will shine the spotlight on one of the most important travel retail markets, where brands, retailers, distributors, food & beverage operators and others are keen to maximise the opportunity.
APTRA conference delegates will benefit from a deeper understanding of current and future dynamics while also building their network with Indian operators and the wider aviation industry.”