Weitnauer Group is proud to celebrate its 160th anniversary this year.
Since 1865, we have adapted to shifting global dynamics while connecting premium brands with consumers around the world. We were among the early pioneers of travel retail—beginning in Paris in 1948 as a wholesaler—and continue to lead today, with a balanced portfolio spanning six product categories and both travel retail and domestic channels.
At Weitnauer, we continue to see evolving shopper behaviour in travel retail as the industry adapts post-COVID. One question stands out: are today’s travellers buying more for themselves or as gifts? What are the recent Duty Free Gifting volumes in comparison to self-use purchases?
In our previous article, we highlighted experiential marketing as a key growth driver in travel retail—indicating a shift toward self-consumption. In this edition, we examine data and emerging opportunities across four continents where Weitnauer operates—Europe, the Americas and Africa.
From market dynamics to category, generational, and regional segmentation, we’ve examined the key factors influencing travel retail today. This final section considers whether dominant regions are reinforcing the global shift toward self-use—and what that means for brand strategy moving forward.
Travel Retail Snapshot: 2025 Outlook
We begin with the numbers to identify the fastest-growing regions in travel retail—key markets that are actively shaping global trends.
According to Yahoo Finance recent research these are the key points of travel retail market development
- Global Market Value: $83.6 billion in 2025
- Forecast: $234.1 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of approximately 12.1%
- Asia-Pacific leads the global travel retail market, with China, Japan, and South Korea driving regional dominance—followed by strong performance in North America and Europe (Intel Market Research, 2025).
- Growth Drivers: Return of international travel, growth of omnichannel travel retail models, growing collaborations, middle-class expansion, luxury tourism, and experiential shopping.
The data reflects a market in transformation. As Asia-Pacific leads and other regions gain momentum, Weitnauer sees this as a key moment for brands to align global ambition with regional opportunity.
Travel Retail Market Statistics by Product Category (2024)
At Weitnauer, category performance is a key indicator of shifting consumer demand in travel retail. Knowing where growth is concentrated helps brands target the right opportunities. The travel retail market is segmented by the following key product categories:
- Perfume & Cosmetics
Largest segment, accounting for 31.4% to 41.7% of the total global travel retail market in 2024. Continued growth is expected across skincare, fragrance, and beauty accessories (Grand View Research, 2024).
- Wine & Spirits
Reached a value of USD 10.02 billion in 2024, with Asia Pacific leading as the highest revenue-generating region (Grand View Research, 2024)
- Tobacco & Reduced-Risk Products (RRP)
Valued at approximately USD 8 billion in 2024. Despite slower growth (CAGR 0.98% since 2019), it remains a key revenue contributor with the shifting focus to RRPs – vapes, nicotine patches, e-cigarettes (The Business Research Company, 2025).
- Food & Confectionery
Generated USD 4.84 billion in 2024, with forecasts projecting growth to USD 7.79 billion by 2030. Strong appeal in gifting and impulse buys (Grand View Research, 2024)
- Electronics & Gifts
Valued at USD 3.52 billion in 2024 and expected to grow rapidly at a CAGR of 12.1% through 2030 (Fact.MR, 2024)
The travel retail market remains led by Perfume & Cosmetics, followed by Wine & Spirits and Tobacco & RRP—categories that reflect sustained demand for luxury and lifestyle products. These are precisely the segments where Weitnauer brings deep expertise and proven commercial success.
Duty Free Product Categories: Gifting vs. Self-Use Breakdown
However, if we break down the market by purchase intent—self-use vs. gifting—the picture shifts. With rising inflation and increasing product prices, gifting becomes a more selective decision, while self-use continues to grow, particularly in categories like beauty, wellness, and tech. Understanding this distinction is essential for brands tailoring assortments and messaging to today’s traveller mindset.
| Self-Use | Giftings (m1nd-set research) |
| 1) Jewellery & Watches Average spend is around $310 per person – category with highest spent in duty free 2) Perfume & Cosmetics Most purchased category for self-use, especially among Millennials and Gen Z Trends: Niche fragrances, sustainable skincare, wellness-led beauty 3) Electronics & Gadgets 36% of the airport retail consumer electronics market in 2024. Strong performance at Asia-Pacific airports Seen as high-utility self-use purchases for solo and business travellers 4) Fashion Accessories Common self-purchases: Sunglasses, scarves, wallets Viewed as affordable luxury by leisure travellers Female shoppers and Gen Z lead this trend 5) Reduced-Risk Tobacco Products (RRPs) Steady demand in regulated regions: Japan, South Korea, Middle East Includes vaping and heat-not-burn devices Core consumers: Brand-loyal males aged 25–50 purchasing for personal use | 1) Souvenirs & Gifts – Top category: 71% of purchases made for gifting – 7 out of 10 items in this category are gift purchases 2) Toys – 56% of purchases intended as gifts – Strong appeal among family and leisure travellers 3) Perfumes – Ranked third with 29% of category purchases for gifting – High perceived value and brand appeal 4) Confectionery & Chocolate Jewellery/Watches – Both categories see 27% of purchases for gifting – Confectionery benefits from impulse buys; jewellery from luxury positioning 5) Alcohol & Clothing/Accessories – Each with 25% of purchases made as gifts Selected for prestige, occasion-based or practical gifting |
Research by International Airport Review shows that self-purchasers typically allocate larger budgets to premium and niche products, spending an average of £119 per purchase, compared to £103 for those buying with other intentions. This spending gap is especially pronounced in categories such as jewellery & watches, beauty, fashion, and electronics, where self-consumers consistently outspend other shopper groups.
All in all, as Weitnauer has a balanced portfolio across 6 categories that leads both self-use and gifting segments, we can prove that high-value personal purchases are gaining ground—driven by strong demand in beauty, electronics, fashion accessories, and RRPs. While gifting remains resilient in categories such as confectionery, souvenirs, toys, jewellery, and premium spirits, though increasingly shaped by price sensitivity and occasion-based intent.
Regional Travel Retail Trends: Duty Free Gifting vs. Self-Use
As outlined earlier, certain regions continue to dominate the duty-free channel—shaping global trends and leaving a distinct cultural imprint on traveller purchase intent. Now, it’s time to take a closer look at gifting intentions—and how they vary across regions.
Asia-Pacific
- Gifting remains deeply embedded in travel culture, particularly in China, South Korea, and Japan, where souvenirs and premium gifts are often tied to social and cultural expectations.
- High levels of digital adoption support both planned purchases and impulse-driven indulgence, with 51% of travellers opting to buy for personal use.
Europe & Americas
- Travelers from Europe and North America show a stronger preference for self-consumption, with 53% making purchases primarily for themselves—outpacing self-use rates in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa (both at 51%).
- This reflects a shift toward personal rewards, convenience, and wellness-focused spending over traditional gifting.
Middle East & Africa
- Strong demand for perfumes, gold jewellery, and confectionery, often tied to cultural celebrations and family traditions in gifting segment.
- Growth in luxury self-purchases, supported by premium airport lounges and experiential retail environments in major hubs like Dubai and Doha.
Americas
- A balanced product mix, with rising interest in gift cards—particularly in the U.S., where digital convenience is a key factor.
- High focus on wellness and convenience-driven shopping, with strong performance in impulse purchases and grab-and-go formats.
Regional behaviour confirms a clear divide: while Asia-Pacific and MEA maintain strong gifting traditions, Europe and the Americas are driving the global shift toward self-use. These patterns underline the need for region-specific category strategies. At Weitnauer, we help brands align assortments and activations with the dominant purchase intent in each market.
Traveller Demographics 2025: Gifting and Self-Use in Duty Free
While macroeconomic conditions and regional preferences play a major role in shaping travel retail behaviour, demographic factors—particularly age—are equally influential. Gifting and self-use preferences vary significantly across generations, reflecting different lifestyles, values, and shopping habits.
- Gifting Focus: Personalized, sustainable, and digital gifts (e.g. e-gift cards, curated experiences)
- Self-Consumption Focus: Experiential purchases, tech gadgets, and self-care items (influenced by social media and trends)
- Gifting Focus: Millennials fuel the travel retail boom, prioritizing experiences, sustainability, & technology.
- Self-Consumption Focus: Spend on wellness, premium beauty, and digital convenience (e.g. pre-order, click & collect)
- Gifting: Gen X prefers practical, quality-driven gifts such as perfumes, wines, and local specialties—often purchased for family during trips.
- Self-Use: Price-conscious but value-oriented, Gen X shows growing interest in wellness and mindful self-care products, though engagement remains low.
- Gifting: Baby Boomers are drawn to familiar, traditional gifts such as souvenirs and classic products, often purchased for others during repeat trips to known destinations.
- Self-Use: Their personal purchases are guided by comfort and routine, with a preference for trusted brands and offline or assisted experiences, including using cash and travel advisors.
Generational behaviours reveal a clear divide in purchase intent. Gen Z and Millennials are driving the shift toward self-consumption—favouring tech, wellness, and convenience, with gifting focused on personalised and sustainable options. In contrast, Gen X and Boomers continue to prioritise practical and traditional gifting, with lower engagement in self-use and a preference for trusted, familiar experiences.
Takeaway: Duty Free Gifting or Self-Purchase?
As travel retail approaches a projected $234.1 billion by 2034, understanding the intent behind purchases—gifting vs. self-use—is more than a trend; it’s a strategic imperative. Gifting continues to dominate in culturally rooted regions like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, while self-use gains traction in Europe and the Americas, driven by lifestyle shifts toward wellness and convenience.
Category performance and shopper profiles further reinforce this divide: jewellery, electronics, and perfumes lead among self-users, while souvenirs and luxury items remain gifting staples. Brands that adapt their strategies across regions, product categories, and generational preferences—while addressing both the emotional and functional drivers of purchase—will lead the next wave of growth.
At Weitnauer, we turn these insights into action, helping our partners align commercial priorities with traveller expectations across the global travel retail landscape.
