Duty-free and travel-retail association TFWA has cancelled the World Exhibition & Conference, which was due to take place from September 27 to October 2.
The TFWA said the decision takes into account the continuing uncertainty surrounding the travel and health situation, as well as the worldwide fall in industry activity.
The management committee was unanimous in its decision to cancel the 2020 edition.
The association said that the cancellation of the event will have a significant impact on its finances. However, it added that sound management of resources has enabled it to build reserves to help it cope with difficult periods.
TFWA president Alain Maingreaud said: “By agreeing significant reductions to space rental fees, making changes to the format and working with our partners in Cannes to reduce the cost of taking part in the event, we did what we could to attempt to ensure the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference could take place. Since making those changes, we have monitored the situation daily, and been in constant contact with our members and partners. The way in which the situation has developed, with the economic impact of the crisis becoming increasingly serious amid continuing uncertainty over restrictions on travel, has forced us to review our plans.”