APTRA endorses Australian off-airport arrivals duty-free proposal

Gavin Lipsith

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The association has backed a plan to allow off-airport stores to offer an arrivals collection service to returning Australians

The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) is backing a proposal by the Australian Duty Free Association that would allow Australian travellers to order goods at the country’s off-airport duty-free stores for collection on their return to the country. The proposal, designed to allow off-airport stores to compete with arrivals outlets at airports, suggests that returning passengers should be able to pick up their pre-ordered goods within 30 days of their return from overseas.

In a statement APTRA said: “The proposal is robust in that it is easy to administer and it has the security mechanisms to ensure there is no exploitation.  This proposal would put Australia at the forefront of the trend towards arrivals shopping, and it would benefit the Australian economy and secure the future viability of the Australian duty-free industry.”

APTRA’s endorsement of the plan was given during its board meeting held in mid-February. At the same meeting the company also approved a plan to “prioritise and gain industry alignment on liquids, aerosols and gels” this year. As part of the plan APTRA is asking members to contribute to a series of harmonised steps for all stakeholders to implement on the issue.

APTRA president Sunil Tuli said: “Following Singapore’s recent success in gaining EU recognition we hope Malaysia can follow suit and we are determined do what we can in helping to implement a process which lifts the status for everyone in Asia/Pacific.”

The APTRA board also thanked BAT’s Andrew McLeod–who will step down from the board when he leaves BAT in mid-April–for his “enthusiastic and energetic” contribution to the association. Tuli said: “Andrew is a passionate and dedicated industry advocate and the board wishes him every success in Australia. We would like to say thanks for his outstanding leadership, commitment and support. He will remain a great friend and colleague and he leaves behind a tremendous legacy”.