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From Vision to Value: The Next Era of Air Travel
Connecting Retail, Experience, and Financial Performance
The joint IATA World Financial Symposium and IATA World Passenger Symposium event is where airline retailing, finance, and passenger experience unite to create a dynamic platform for strategic exploration, actionable insights, and transformative innovation. The 2025 edition welcomed 1,250 delegates in Istanbul, Türkiye.
About the World Financial Symposium
The World Financial Symposium (WFS) offers plenary sessions and specialized streams on the airlines financial sustainability.
Who attends?
- A diverse set of delegates including airline representatives, services and solutions providers, delegates from finance, retailing and the banking sector, consultancy firms, start-ups, fin-techs, etc.
- Over 75 individual airlines
- Over 200 IATA Strategic Partners
- Over 40 sponsors and exhibitors
WFS/WPS 2025 Highlights
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About the World Passenger Symposium
The World Passenger Symposium (WPS) combines the former Digital and Data and Retailing Symposium, the Global Airport and Passenger Symposium and the Accessibility Symposium into a single event to reflect the importance and connectedness of all three elements to the customer experience.
Testimonials from 2025 attendees of WFS & WPS:
"WFS/WPS served as an excellent platform us to engage with global airline leaders and exchange ideas on industry transformation. The discussions on modern retailing, payments, and AI-driven efficiencies provided valuable insights to help shape the future of aviation."
Swapnil Gharat, Infosys Limited
"As a long-standing partner in this industry-leading event, PROS is consistently excited to engage with the community that gathers at the IATA World Passenger Symposium. This year was no exception, it was an opportunity to network, share insights, and really focus on the future of Offer and Order transformation. We’re grateful to be part of such a forward-thinking gathering and look forward to many more years of collaboration."
Marcela Pasten, PROS
"A very interesting event, involving the world in different fields, ideal place for those seeking business partnerships in various fields, whether in aviation, travel agencies, service providers, banking, suppliers and much more. I encourage decision-makers to anticipate because here minds become wider open and learning from the experiences of many in various areas, which may even be the solution to internal problems”
Emidio Ricardo, Mozambique Airlines
"Istanbul Rassure had an excellent experience at IATA WFS 2025 in Istanbul. The event offered strong networking opportunities and helped spark several promising new discussions. Overall, it was a well-planned, well-supported, and smoothly executed event. We were pleased to be part of it."
Vikram Joshi, Rassure Pty Ltd.
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| Registration Type | Regular Rate | EARLY-BIRD RATE* |
| IATA Member Airline | $760.00 | $760.00 |
| IATA Strategic Partner | $2,050.00 | $1,710.00 |
| General Public | $2,360.00 | $1,965.00 |
| Airport | $2,145.00 | $1,790.00 |
| Government/Regulator/Institution | $2,145.00 | $1,790.00 |
| Student | $300.00 | $300.00 |
Please contact us for any questions you may have at iatawfswps@iata.org
* Early-bird rates are valid only up until 23 June 2026.
Showcase your products and services to industry leaders, governments, international organizations, and subject matter experts. For information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the World Financial and World Passenger Symposiums, please complete the form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Macao
Macao, the dynamic gateway between East and West, offers an inspiring backdrop for the World Financial Symposium and World Passenger Symposium. Known for its blend of historic charm and modern development, Macao’s world class connectivity and thriving business environment create an ideal setting for industry leaders to explore new strategies in aviation finance, passenger experience, and commercial innovation. Its compact peninsula, together with the islands of Taipa and Coloane linked by the Cotai district, provides a unique urban landscape that supports global exchange and forward looking dialogue.
This year’s theme—From Vision to Value: The Next Era of Air Travel—sets the tone as the aviation community focuses on connecting retail, experience, and financial performance. Macao’s distinctive fusion of cultures, vibrant energy, and modern infrastructure creates a setting where ideas translate naturally into impact.
The Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC)
The Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is Asia’s most iconic and advanced MICE destination. It features 40,000sqm of total flexible MICE space. There is an exhibition hall of 10,000 sqm without pillars that can accommodate up to 7,000 delegates. Conveniently located in Cotai, the GICC is in the Galaxy Macau™, a luxury integrated resort that features 9 world-class hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment.
> Weather in Macao
> More information about Macao
Visa requirements
The IATA TravelCentre provides passport, visa, health advice, and much more. Visit the IATA Travel Centre-Passport, Visa & Health Requirements.
Before your travel
IATA is providing a visa invitation letter but cannot guarantee your visa issuance. In case you need it, answer “Yes" to the visa letter question during your registration: you will have to enter all the requested details for the letter to be generated. Note that it is mandatory to be fully registered to the World Financial & Passenger Symposiums (WFS&WPS) 2026 to get it. Please ensure you check your visa requirements as soon as possible to prevent any delay in your visa application.
For guidance on visa requirements and further information, you should consult the IATA Travel Centre.
Arrival to Macao (SAR), China
Getting from the airport to the venue
The IATA World Financial & World Passenger Symposiums (WFS/WPS) will be held at Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC).
Macau International Airport
- From the Macau International Airport to the venue, Galaxy International Convention Center is an 8-10min car ride.
- The most convenient option is to use the hotel’s Complimentary shuttle service from Macau International Airport to the Galaxy International Convention Center. You can find information on the gates and drop points to and from the airport on the Galaxy Macau Website.
- The Airport Website shows Taxis and Public transport options. Taxis rate and phone numbers are also available on the website. The LRT Airport Station located on Avenida Wai Long, connects to the Macao International Airport Passenger Terminal Building North Exit. More information can be found on the Macao Light Rail Transit regarding fairs and routes.
Getting around the city
- In Macao you can move around the city with different modes of transportation.
- Public buses are the most comprehensive way to travel across Macao which has extensive networks across the city; flat fare of MOP 6 (exact change or Macau Pass). The Transport Bureau website has more information on the routes.
- Hotel shuttle buses: Free, frequent casino-operated shuttles linking border gates, ferry terminals, and Cotai Strip.
- Macao Light Rail Transit the Taipa Line is operational, connecting Taipa Ferry Terminal to Barra Station, with stops at major Taipa/Cotai attractions and the airport.
- Taxis are widely available but can be costly; fares start at MOP 21; destinations best written in Chinese as many drivers have limited English. More information on taxis is available on Macao Radio Taxi Ltd.
- Ride hailing applications are also available Uber, Macau Taxi App (which offers English support) and Amap/Gaode which is also a map provider that partners with local Macao companies, enabling users to hail, pay for, and track taxis directly through the app.
While in Macao (SAR), China
Emergency contacts
- Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 999
- Alternative Emergency: 110, 112
- Judiciary Police (24-hour crime report): 993 or (+853) 2855 7777
- Fire Services Bureau: (+853) 2857 2222
- 24-Hour Tourism Hotline: (+853) 2833 3000
Weather
October in Macao has warm daytime temperatures around 28 °C (82 °F), with cooler evenings of about 22–24 °C (72–75 °F). Rainfall decreases as the monsoon ends, with roughly 6–10 rainy days in the month and significantly less rain than summer.
Power plug
In China, you may need 3 types of adaptors, Type A and Type C and Type I. They operate on a 220 V supply voltage and 50 Hz frequency.
Currency
- Macao’s official currency is Pataca (MOP$). However, you can also use Hong Kong dollars (HKD) everywhere.
- It is recommended to carry some cash in Macao, as many small businesses, street food stalls, and family‑run restaurants only accept cash, even though hotels, larger restaurants, and casinos generally accept cards and digital payments.
While at the event
- Dress code: The dress code for the event is business casual.
- Wi-Fi: There is Wi-Fi available in the venue.
- Event app: The networking mobile app will be available to all registered delegates 6 weeks before the event.
Like, share, interact
Spread the excitement about the event by using the official hashtags #IATAWFSWPS #IATAWFS #IATAWPS .
Don't forget to like, share, and interact with our posts. Let's connect and make the event experience memorable together!
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Help us spread the word!
Help us spread the word about this key conference event. This promotional kit (ppt) can be tailored to your needs.
World Financial Symposium (WFS) & World Passenger Symposium (WPS) 2025
The joint IATA World Financial Symposium and IATA World Passenger Symposium event is where airline retailing, finance and passenger experience unite to create a dynamic platform for strategic exploration, actionable insights, and transformative innovation. The last edition of WFS & WPS was held in Istanbul, Türkiye from 5 November to 6 November 2025 and brought 1,250 delegates.
World Financial Symposium (WFS) & World Passenger Symposium (WPS) 2024
The joint IATA World Financial Symposium and IATA World Passenger Symposium event is where airline retailing, finance and passenger experience unite to create a dynamic platform for strategic exploration, actionable insights, and transformative innovation. The last edition of WFS & WPS was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 30 October to 31 October 2024.
- View sponsors
World Financial Symposium (WFS) & World Passenger Symposium (WPS) 2023
The joint IATA World Finance Symposium (WFS) and IATA World Passenger Symposium (WPS) is where airline retailing, finance and passenger experience unite to create a dynamic platform for strategic exploration, actionable insights, and transformative innovation. A successful WFS & WPS brought some 600 delegates to Chicago from 25 October to 26 October 2023.
World Financial Symposium (WFS) 2022
The World Financial Symposium took place in Doha, Qatar from 19 to 21 September 2022. The theme was "reshaping airline resilience," following the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. The goal: "Fly Net Zero - to achieve net zero carbon by 2050," by gaining agility in this less favorable landscape through retail and financial digital transformation.
- View photos
- View recorded sessions
World Financial Symposium (WFS) 2021
This special virtual edition of WFS took place on 19 - 20 October 2021. WFS 2021 offered several tracks that tackled various financial and related topics, with the objective of finding solutions to overcome challenges and seize opportunities to build airline finance for the future.
- View recorded sessions
World Financial Symposium (WFS) 2019
"Shaping a Sustainable Future Together" was the theme for WFS 2019.
- View photos
- View recorded sessions
World Passenger Symposium (WPS) 2022
The IATA World Passenger Symposium (WPS) took place in Manama, Bahrain on 01 – 03 November 2022 at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, kindly hosted by Gulf Air. Under the theme “Unlocking Value Creation by Putting the Customer First,” the WPS 2022 looked at how the industry can deliver the best experience to its customers.
- View photos
- View presentations
Digital, Data and Retailing Symposium (DDR) 2021
In 2021, the Airline Industry Retailing Symposium (AIRS) and the Aviation Data Symposium (ADS) were held at the same time and place under a brand-new name: Digital, Data and Retailing Symposium (DDR). The focus was on the industry restart plan and how Airlines can further reduce costs and plan for new revenue generation using the power of Data and Retailing.
DDR Symposium 2021 covered key industry topics and allowed 650+ industry players to engage in a hybrid format to drive the industry recovery. Over 450 industry leaders and experts were in Madrid meeting face to face, while over 150 following the event remotely.
- View photos
- View recorded sessions
IATA Global Accessibility Symposium (IGAS) 2020
The 2nd edition of the IATA Global Accessibility Symposium took place on 27-28 October 2020. The 2020 edition informed industry stakeholders, passengers and state regulators about the efforts driven by the aviation industry in 2020.
Such efforts included: Recommendations for accessible air travel in response to COVID-19, innovative trends in the technology area, an overview of existing and upcoming policy and regulation, practical considerations on accessibility hot topics, and the future of accessibility and innovation - connecting the dots.
- View recorded sessions
IATA Global Airport & Passenger Symposium (GAPS) 2019
IATA Global Airport & Passenger Symposium (GAPS) examines the processes that touch the passenger journey, on the ground and in the air, and impact related airport processes and operations, allowing delegates to collectively shape future solutions through panel discussions, and innovation sessions, and partake in the development of the future passenger journey storyline.
The 2019 edition took place on 15-17 October in Warsaw, Poland, and addressed the impact of existing processes in the passenger journey and explore how future needs, trends, and solutions will shape the way of travel. Sub-themes included: "the seamless journey," "the transforming airport," and "the world of interactive data."
- View photos
- View "The Seamless Journey" presentations (pdf)
Platinum Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Media Partner
Our Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
IATA believes that diversity of culture, gender, age, orientation, and experience boosts the success of the aviation industry. We actively encourage aviation professionals with diverse profiles to contribute to our events as speakers, panelists, facilitators, or in any other way.