Singapore & Mumbai 3 April 2025 APTRA (Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association) has released the final programme for the APTRA India Conference 2025, taking place in Mumbai, April 7-9, 2025.

Sunil Tuli, President of APTRA and Group Chief Executive King Power (Hoing Kong) Group comments: “We are blown away by the support and enthusiasm received for the APTRA India Conference 2025 from across the industry, globally, making this a fully sold-out event. The plenary sessions constitute a masterclass in India Travel Retail and the increasing importance of Indian consumers in other markets. With two fantastic evening events lined up, the 300 delegates registered are sure to enjoy valuable networking opportunities. We look forward to welcoming everyone on Monday 7 April.”

The plenary sessions focus on two strategic pillars: Dynamics Shaping the Industry and Expanding the Revenue Opportunity:

Tuesday 8 April 2025

Following a keynote address from Sunil Tuli, President of APTRA & Group Chief Executive, King Power Group (Hong Kong); Gaurav Singh, Chief Executive of platinum host partner, Ospree, in conversation with Kapila Ireland, editor of DFNI – the conference media partner – will share highlights and insights on the retailer’s bold ambitions to be the world’s fastest growing travel retailer and the next phase of growth.

Rajesh Arora, CEO JVs & Adjacencies, GMR Airports Limited joins a conversation with Kapila Ireland to discuss developments and restructure at GMR, the world’s second largest private airport operator.

In India’s Travel Retail Revolution, senior industry executives Ashish Chopra, CEO Delhi Duty Free; George Cherian Business Development Director India at Avolta; and, recently appointed, Johannes Sammann, CEO Heinemann Asia Pacific; will reveal how they are keeping their businesses ahead of consumer demands in India and versus other markets.

Consumer data trends from within Travel Retail and the broader travel ecosphere will be presented by Anna Marchesini of m1nd-set; Sridhar Keppurengan, Business Head, Cross Border Payments India & South Asia at VISA; and Shubhra Misra, Managing Director at VoiceBack Analytics.

In an essential ‘India 101’ session, a highly experienced panel, moderated by industry veteran, Mohit Lal, share experiences and perspectives on India’s Booming Market Opportunity – easy to see, complex to navigate. Panellists comprise Pooja Bommidala, MD of Bommidala Enterprises; Nutan Roongta, Director USA Indian Economic Trade Organization; Surabhi Batra, Commercial Director Luxe, L’Oréal India; Shah Nawaz Khan, COO Ospree; and Gaurav Joshi, CEO, Platinum Liquids. Topics include route to market, distribution options, navigating regulation and customs and arrivals allowances.

Looking at the expectations of younger consumers, Vijay Talwar, CCO & CDO Avolta, Kreol Arakulath, Executive Director, Kreol Group and Erin Lillis, Travel Retail Director Asia Pacific, Lacoste are joined by Karl Walter of Blueprint as moderator, to fathom if technology and AI can make Travel Retail an essential part of their journey.

On Wednesday 9 April, the panels will focus on Expanding the Revenue Opportunity.

Avishek Bambii Das moderates Pathways to Unlocking Retail Performance, a study into how brands and retailers can unlock the prestige+ market with the value-conscious Indian consumer. Payal Lal of Delhi Duty Free Serevies; Kamakshya Singh of Luxmi Tea Co; Ospree’s Prachi Gandhi; Lilly Choi-Lee of TravConsult; and Clarisse Daniels of Whyte & Mackay will present the viewpoints of brands, retailers and the consumer connection.

With ever-evolving consumer expectations, the sophistication of experiential food offers and the halo effect of F&B on spend and dwell time in other categories, this panel looks at the opportunities for hybridisation and cross category synergies with retail. Moderated by Kapila Ireland, the panel is made up of Avantika Ahuja, COCOCART; Kavita Tiwari, India Retails & Hospitality Private Limited (IRHP) and Spencer Sheen of WHSmith.

The airline lounge trend in India is a hot one and this panel brings together leading advocates to explore how this booming sector can integrate further with brands, luxury services and retail. Avishek Bambii Das as moderator is joined by Pravat Paikray of Bangalore International Airport Limited; Sandeep Sonwane of DreamFolks; Ashish Gandham Suntory Global Spirits; and Varun Kapur of Travel Food Services.

According to Gallup research, organizations with high levels of people engagement are 21% more profitable than those with low levels. A panel of retailer, brand, employer and employees discusses the theme of People, Purpose, Prosperity. Naresh Sharma, CEO, India Retails & Hospitality Private Limited (IRHP); Alina Alam, Founder & CEO Mitti Café and several of her team members are joined by Alasdair Dickinson, Suntory Global Spirits in this important session sharing a range of different approaches on the topic.

Beyond the plenary sessions, there is plenty of time built in for networking, including breakfast networking with VoiceBack Analytics, refreshment breaks in partnership with Guylian, Lindt and Mondelez and lunches hosted by Chang Airport Group and WH Smith. The Welcome Reception on Monday 7 April is held in partnership with Aperol Spritz, Aspri Spirits, Fino Tequila, Kumaon&I gin and Jura Scotch whisky.

The Gala Dinner, hosted by Ospree on Tuesday 8 April encourages a ‘metallic shimmer’ dress code. This promises to be a truly spectacular party, Mumbai-style, created by the team at Ospree and in partnership with House of Suntory, Rampur Whisky, The Glen Journeys and William Grant. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed metallic shimmer partygoers, with one lucky winner receiving an Apple MacBook Air M3.

House of Somrus is the official conference bag and bottle partner, the lanyards are supported by Qatar Duty Free – who are also a Gold Partner.

Gold partners: Avolta, Bommidala & Heinemann consortium, GMR Airports Limited, Suntory Global Spirits, Qatar Duty Free and Whyte & Mackay.

Silver partners: Bangalore International Airport, King Power Thailand and Lacoste

Lunch partners: Changi Airport Group, WH Smith

Refreshment partners: Guylian, Lindt and Mondelez

Insight partners: m1nd-set and Voiceback Analytics

Conference Bag & Bottle partner: House of Somrus

Lanyard partner: Qatar Duty Free

Evening event partners: Aperol Spritz, Aspri Spirits, Fino tequila, The Glen Journeys, Jura Scotch whisky, Kumaon& I gin, Rampur whisky and William Grant & Sons.

Logistics

Registration opens from 2.30pm on Monday 7 April 2025.

All elements of the conference will be held in the Regal Rooms conference suite of the Trident Hotel, Nariman Point. The event is fully sold out.

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: anne.kavanagh@aptra.asia

APTRA (the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association) is a non-profit membership organisation whose purpose is to strengthen, nurture and protect the duty free and travel retail industry in the Asia Pacific region. APTRA\’s membership comprises landlords, retailers, food & beverage operators and brands. APTRA\’s territory spans over 45 countries in Asia Pacific offering strategic support for members with research, knowledge sharing, networking opportunities and advocating for the industry when facing regulatory challenges and issues.