Entries are Now Open!

The Frontier Awards are for everyone, with categories for all facets of the industry, including travel retailers, airports, suppliers/brands, as well as awards for all industry stakeholders.

DEADLINE: 15 MAY 2026

Please note the categories with a * require 2 samples to be sent for our judges to review during the judging period, for more information about deliveries please click here.

NEW FOR 2026: Travel Retail Exclusive Packaging of the Year *

Travel retail has long been a showcase for exclusive formats, gifting-led designs and premium packaging innovations that elevate products beyond domestic retail. This award recognises the most outstanding travel retail-exclusive packaging, whether a limited edition, exclusive format, seasonal design or channel-specific reinterpretation that has delivered clear differentiation, desirability and commercial impact within the travel retail environment.

The award is open to packaging created exclusively for travel retail, including permanent exclusives and limited editions across all categories.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

NEW FOR 2026: Travel Retail Exclusive Packaging of the Year *

This award will be judged based on the time period of January 2025 to May 2026

Entry length: 500 words maximum

Judges will evaluate:

Packaging concept & differentiation: How the packaging is uniquely designed for travel retail, including format, scale, gifting appeal, visual impact, storytelling or channel-specific functionality that clearly differentiates it from domestic retail.

Travel retail relevance & commercial impact: Evidence of how the exclusive packaging drives conversion, premiumisation, gifting behaviour or basket uplift in travel retail (metrics encouraged, context welcomed).

Activation & shopper engagement: How the exclusive packaging was brought to life through travel retail activations, in-store theatre, merchandising, digital, social, omnichannel or phygital experiences.

Sustainability (where applicable): Tangible sustainability actions within packaging materials, design efficiency, recyclability, reuse, refill or reduced environmental impact — prioritising outcomes over intent.

NEW FOR 2026: Emerging Brand or Small Supplier of the Year (Product) *

Travel retail thrives on innovation from both established global players and agile, emerging brands. This award recognises an outstanding small supplier, emerging brand or niche player that has successfully launched or scaled a product within travel retail, demonstrating creativity, relevance and commercial traction despite limited scale or resources.

The award celebrates brands that are punching above their weight, bringing fresh ideas, distinctive propositions and new energy to the travel retail landscape.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

NEW FOR 2026: Emerging Brand or Small Supplier of the Year (Product) *

Eligibility:

Open to brands or suppliers that meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Independent or niche brand
  • New to travel retail within the last three years
  • Small or medium-sized supplier relative to category leaders

(Final eligibility is at the discretion of the judging panel.)

This award will be judged based on the time period of January 2025 to May 2026

Entry length: 500 words maximum

Judges will evaluate:

Distinctive product proposition: Clarity and originality of the product or range, including what makes it compelling for travel retail and how it stands apart from established category players.

Travel retail relevance & early traction: Evidence of initial commercial success, buyer uptake, distribution wins, test-and-learn pilots or positive performance relative to scale and resources (context is critical).

Agility & execution: How the brand has demonstrated speed, flexibility and creativity in launching, adapting or activating within the travel retail environment.

Activation & storytelling: Effectiveness of brand storytelling, packaging, merchandising, activation or digital engagement in bringing the brand to life for travelling consumers. 

Sustainability & responsible growth (where applicable): Tangible actions demonstrating responsible sourcing, production, packaging or business practices, aligned with long-term, sustainable growth.

Airport Retailer of the Year

Duty-free and travel retail play a vital role in shaping the modern airport experience, offering passengers world-class shopping, service and exclusive product selections.

This award recognises the most outstanding airport retailer of the past year — one that has demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience and leadership in elevating airport retail globally.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Airport Retailer of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Innovation & transformation: How your business has adapted, evolved and innovated to drive performance and enhance the passenger experience.

Proudest achievement: One standout initiative from the past year and its impact.

Customer & operational excellence: Evidence of improved customer experience, personalisation, service standards and execution.

Sense of place & localisation: How local culture, brands or storytelling are integrated into the retail experience.

Omnichannel & digital: How digital and omnichannel touchpoints improve engagement, conversion and loyalty (e.g. pre-order, CRM, personalisation, in-store digital).

Sustainability: How sustainability is embedded across commercial strategy, store design, operations and product curation.

Beauty Product of the Year *

This award celebrates the standout beauty product in travel retail launched globally within the last 18 months. Recognising innovation, desirability and commercial success, the award honours a product that has made a significant impact in the sector.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Beauty Product of the Year *

This award will be judged based on the time period of January 2025 to May 2026

Entry length: 500 words maximum

Judges will evaluate:

Hero product & innovation: What makes the product distinctive for travel retail (design, formulation, format, packaging or price architecture).

Commercial performance & travel retail relevance: Evidence of performance and why it resonates with travellers (metrics encouraged, context welcomed).

Activation & shopper engagement: How the product was brought to life in travel retail (in-store, digital, social, omnichannel or phygital) and the results.

Sustainability (where applicable): Tangible actions across ingredients, packaging, production or lifecycle.

Best Airport for Retail

From destination airports to global transit hubs, airports are evolving to meet rising passenger expectations. This award recognises the airport that has demonstrated the most innovative, commercially supportive and customer-centric approach to travel retail in the past year.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Best Airport for Retail

Submissions should outline:

Strategic commitment to travel retail: A culture and strategy that positions retail as a core pillar of the airport experience.

Adaptability & innovation: Flexible approaches to operations, partnerships and commercial models.

Impact on retail performance: Positive outcomes for sales, service quality, operational stability and retailer satisfaction.

Partnership model (airport–retailer–brand): Evidence of effective collaboration that enhances the overall shopping experience.

Sustainability: How sustainability is embedded across commercial strategies, retail design, operations and passenger engagement.

Best New Duty-Free Shop Opening

As travel rebounds, duty-free retail continues to evolve with next-generation store concepts and immersive experiences. This award recognises the most outstanding new duty-free store opening, transformation or expansion that has significantly enhanced the multi-category duty-free environment.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Best New Duty-Free Shop Opening

Submissions should outline:

Retail innovation & customer experience: Use of technology, experiential activations or digital enhancements to engage travellers.

Design & layout excellence: Store design, layout and execution, creating a seamless customer journey.

Curation & relevance: A product mix aligned with traveller demographics, purchasing behaviours and sense of place.

Commercial context: Performance relative to footfall, dwell time or category mix (contextualised, not absolute numbers).

Sustainability & responsible retailing: How sustainability is embedded in design, materials, operations and product selection.

Best Speciality Concept – Hybrid & F&B

As the boundaries between retail, dining and experience blur, travel spaces are becoming multi-sensory destinations. This award recognises an innovative hybrid retail and F&B concept that delivers a seamless and engaging traveller experience.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Best Speciality Concept – Hybrid & F&B

Submissions should outline:

Innovation & concept excellence: How the concept blends retail, hospitality and dining or sets a new benchmark for travel retail F&B.

Customer experience & interaction: Experiential elements, personalised service and interactive touchpoints that increase dwell time.

Curation & brand integration: How product discovery is merged with hospitality through storytelling or bespoke offerings.

Commercial & experiential success: Evidence of sales performance, footfall and a seamless journey across retail and hospitality.

Sustainability: Use of responsible sourcing, materials and waste reduction strategies.

Best Speciality Concept - Retail

Specialty retail plays a key role in elevating the travel shopping experience through highly curated, category-led concepts. This award celebrates an outstanding specialty retail concept launched or significantly transformed in the past year.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Best Speciality Concept - Retail

Submissions should outline:

Retail innovation & customer experience: Experiential elements, digital touchpoints or personalised services.

Design & concept excellence: Cohesive design and execution tailored to the category.

Curation & differentiation: A distinctive product selection addressing modern traveller needs.

Category expertise & commercial success: Evidence of sales impact, exclusivity or innovative merchandising.

Sustainability & responsible retailing: Sustainable practices across design, operations and sourcing.

Border, Downtown, or Port Retailer of the Year

Border, downtown and port duty-free retail are integral to the wider travel retail ecosystem. This award celebrates exceptional performance, innovation and leadership beyond the airport environment.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Border, Downtown, or Port Retailer of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Innovation & transformation: How the business has evolved to enhance performance and the shopping experience.

Proudest achievement: One standout initiative and its impact.

Cross-border traveller insight: How regulatory, cultural and traveller mix differences are addressed.

Customer & operational excellence: Evidence of improved service, personalisation and execution.

Omnichannel & digital: How digital touchpoints support engagement and sales. Sustainability: How sustainability is embedded across strategy, stores and operations.

Brand Activation of the Year

The best travel retail campaign, activation or pop-up led by a supplier or brand, judged on innovation, relevance and consumer impact. Activations may be physical, digital or hybrid.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Brand Activation of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Innovation: Creativity and originality of concept and execution.

Responsiveness: Alignment with consumer behaviour or market trends.

Consumer engagement: Evidence of engagement and positive consumer response.

Results & learnings: Outcomes achieved (sales, engagement, data capture) and key learnings.

Sustainability: How sustainability considerations were embedded.

Cruise or Ferry Line Retailer of the Year

The maritime travel retail market continues to thrive. This award recognises innovation and excellence by a retailer operating in the global cruise and/or ferry sector.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Cruise or Ferry Line Retailer of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Innovation & transformation: How the retail offer has evolved onboard.

Proudest achievement: One standout initiative and its impact.

Onboard space optimisation: Innovation within constrained retail footprints and itineraries. Guest & operational excellence: Evidence of improved guest experience, service and execution.

Omnichannel & digital: Use of digital touchpoints to drive engagement and conversion.

Sustainability: How sustainability is embedded across onboard retail strategy and operations.

Food & Confectionery Product Of The Year *

This award celebrates the standout food or confectionery product in travel retail launched globally within the last 18 months. Recognising innovation, desirability and commercial success, the award honours a product that has made a significant impact in the sector.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Food & Confectionery Product Of The Year *

This award will be judged based on the time period of January 2025 to May 2026

Entry length: 500 words maximum

Judges will evaluate:

Hero product & innovation: What makes the product distinctive for travel retail (design, formulation, format, packaging or price architecture).

Commercial performance & travel retail relevance: Evidence of performance and why it resonates with travellers (metrics encouraged, context welcomed).

Activation & shopper engagement: How the product was brought to life in travel retail (in-store, digital, social, omnichannel or phygital) and the results.

Sustainability (where applicable): Tangible actions across ingredients, packaging, production or lifecycle.

Future of Retail Award

This award celebrates pioneering technology innovations that are transforming the travel retail experience. Open to retailers, brands, airports, technology providers and startups.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Future of Retail Award

Submissions should outline:

Vision & development: The problem addressed and rationale behind the solution.

Impact on travel retail: Evidence of enhanced experience, efficiency or commercial performance.

Measurable business benefits: Adoption, engagement, revenue or satisfaction outcomes.

Innovation & scalability: Differentiation and potential for scale or cross-industry use.

Sustainability leadership: Responsible digital practices, energy efficiency or waste reduction.

Inflight & Omnichannel Retailer of the Year

The inflight retail sector continues to evolve rapidly as airlines and partners adapt to changing passenger behaviour and digital-first expectations. This award recognises the company that has demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience and commercial success in shaping the future of inflight and omnichannel retail.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Inflight & Omnichannel Retailer of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Innovation & transformation: How the business has evolved its inflight or connected retail proposition to improve performance and passenger engagement.

Proudest achievement: One standout initiative from the past year and its impact.

Customer & operational excellence: Evidence of improved passenger experience, personalisation, operational efficiency and service delivery.

Omnichannel & digital: How e-commerce, pre-order, home delivery, app-based shopping, digital payment solutions or onboard digital experiences drive conversion.

Sustainability: How sustainability is embedded across commercial strategy, product curation, packaging, waste reduction and onboard operations.

Influential Woman in Travel Retail Award

This award celebrates the exceptional achievements of women in the travel retail industry. Honouring those who have made a significant impact, the award recognises outstanding contributions to a project, workplace successes, or exemplary leadership within the sector.

£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Influential Woman in Travel Retail Award

The judging period covers accomplishments from 1 June 2024 to 1 June 2026.

Submissions should include examples of:

Measurable Impact: Demonstrates tangible contributions to the industry and wider community, supported by data, testimonials, or key milestones.

Initiative: Showcases exceptional initiative, innovative decision-making, and the ability to drive change.

Proudest achievement: A standout success from the candidate in recent years, detailing its execution, impact, and key takeaways.

Commitment to DE&I and sustainability: Advocates for DEI, fostering positive workplace culture, and has integrated sustainability into business practices/product innovation, driving positive environmental and social impact.

Leading by example: Stands out as a strong role model for women in the sector Industry advocacy: Contribution to industry dialogue, mentorship, or visibility

Jewellery & Watches, Fashion & Accessories Product Of The Year *

This award celebrates the standout jewellery, watches, fashion or accessories product in travel retail launched globally within the last 18 months. Recognising innovation, desirability and commercial success, the award honours a product that has made a significant impact in the sector.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Jewellery & Watches, Fashion & Accessories Product Of The Year *

This award will be judged based on the time period of January 2025 to May 2026

Entry length: 500 words maximum

Judges will evaluate:

Hero product & innovation: What makes the product distinctive for travel retail (design, formulation, format, packaging or price architecture).

Commercial performance & travel retail relevance: Evidence of performance and why it resonates with travellers (metrics encouraged, context welcomed).

Activation & shopper engagement: How the product was brought to life in travel retail (in-store, digital, social, omnichannel or phygital) and the results.

Sustainability (where applicable): Tangible actions across ingredients, packaging, production or lifecycle.

People & Planet Award: Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) matters — not only is it a business driver, it’s a force for positive societal change. This award recognises individuals, teams, and businesses that have embedded D&I into their workplaces, partnerships, and communities within travel retail. Whether through balanced leadership, inclusive marketing, or progressive workplace policies, the winner will demonstrate a genuine and measurable commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

People & Planet Award: Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Submissions should outline:

Championing D&I: How your company or team has actively advocated for and implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Goals & execution: Clear D&I intentions, targets, and strategies, and how they have been integrated into workplace culture, recruitment, leadership, partnerships, and consumer-facing campaigns.

Demonstrable impact: Evidence of measurable progress and positive impact on people, communities, and the wider travel retail industry — both internally and externally.

Note: This award celebrates D&I across gender, orientation, ethnicity, disability, and all underrepresented groups in travel retail.

People & Planet Award: Sustainability

The Frontier Awards continue to champion sustainability in the travel retail industry. This award recognises individuals, teams, or businesses that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to environmental and social responsibility over the past year. Whether a localised initiative or a large-scale transformation, the winning entry will showcase tangible, positive impact on people and the planet.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

People & Planet Award: Sustainability

Submissions should outline:

Achievements & execution: Describe your sustainability initiatives, how they were implemented, and the key milestones achieved.

Relevance to travel retail: How the initiative aligns with global travel retail priorities and contributes to industry-wide sustainability goals.

Demonstrable impact: Evidence of measurable benefits to people, communities, and the environment, supported by data, case studies, or testimonials.

Retail Activation of the Year

The best travel retail campaign, activation or pop-up led by a RETAILER/LANDLORD, judged against a range of factors including innovation, concept and consumer impact. This can be a physical or digital initiative – or both.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Retail Activation of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Innovation: The quality and creativity of initiative in concept and design

Responsiveness: A good match between concept and market trend

Consumer engagement: How the activation delivered effective consumer engagement, leading to a positive reception

Tailored concept: An innovative offer and expertise for specialist category concepts including new ideas to maximise sales

Sustainability: Showcase how sustainability is embedded across mentioned activities

Spirits Product Of The Year *

This award celebrates the standout spirits product in travel retail launched globally within the last 18 months. Recognising innovation, desirability and commercial success, the award honours a product that has made a significant impact in the sector.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Spirits Product Of The Year *

This award will be judged based on the time period of January 2025 to May 2026

Entry length: 500 words maximum

Judges will evaluate:

Hero product & innovation: What makes the product distinctive for travel retail (design, formulation, format, packaging or price architecture).

Commercial performance & travel retail relevance: Evidence of performance and why it resonates with travellers (metrics encouraged, context welcomed).

Activation & shopper engagement: How the product was brought to life in travel retail (in-store, digital, social, omnichannel or phygital) and the results.

Sustainability (where applicable): Tangible actions across ingredients, packaging, production or lifecycle.

Supplier of the Year

Suppliers are the cornerstone of the travel retail industry, delivering innovation, collaboration, and category growth in a highly competitive landscape. This award recognises the supplier—of any size—that has demonstrated outstanding support, agility, and customer satisfaction over the past year.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Supplier of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Portfolio adaptation & market responsiveness: How your brand has evolved its core product portfolio to meet the changing needs of retailers and travellers.

  • Collaborative & agile inventory solutions: A proactive, flexible approach to supporting partners in navigating supply chain and inventory challenges.
  • Impactful campaigns & promotions: Delivery of high-impact activations, promotions, and omnichannel marketing strategies tailored to today’s travel retail environment.
  • Innovation & market leadership: Evidence of product innovation, digital advancements, and responsiveness to emerging consumer trends in travel retail.
  • Category growth & industry impact: A commitment to expanding and elevating your category for the benefit of the wider industry.
  • Sustainability: How sustainability is embedded across your product development, packaging, supply chain, and activations.

Team of the Year

This award recognises exceptional teamwork within an organisation, celebrating a travel retail team that has gone above and beyond to make a positive impact over the past year. While commercial success is important, judges will prioritise teams that have demonstrated outstanding contributions in social or environmental areas—whether through community initiatives, sustainability programmes, or employee well-being efforts.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Team of the Year

Submissions should outline:

Implementation & results: How and when the nominated team’s initiative(s) were executed, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

  • Above & beyond efforts: How the team and individuals exceeded expectations, demonstrating dedication, creativity, and leadership.
  • Positive impact: Evidence of the team’s contributions to people, communities, or the environment, whether through social responsibility programs, diversity & inclusion initiatives, sustainability projects, or workplace wellbeing efforts.

Tobacco & Next Generation Product Of The Year *

This award celebrates the standout tobacco or next generation product in travel retail launched globally within the last 18 months. Recognising innovation, desirability and commercial success, the award honours a product that has made a significant impact in the sector.
£ 195.00
Early Bird £ 175.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Tobacco & Next Generation Product Of The Year *

This award will be judged based on the time period of January 2025 to May 2026

Entry length: 500 words maximum

Judges will evaluate:

Hero product & innovation: What makes the product distinctive for travel retail (design, formulation, format, packaging or price architecture).

Commercial performance & travel retail relevance: Evidence of performance and why it resonates with travellers (metrics encouraged, context welcomed).

Activation & shopper engagement: How the product was brought to life in travel retail (in-store, digital, social, omnichannel or phygital) and the results.

Sustainability (where applicable): Tangible actions across ingredients, packaging, production or lifecycle.