India event gathers pace

John Rimmer

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The India Duty Free Workshop, hosted by Alpha Asia and supported by DFNI, has attracted interest from many of the sub-continent's leading suppliers, airlines and airports

The India Duty Free Workshop, to be held on February 21-23 at the Meridien Hotel in Cochin, has attracted interest from an impressive number of suppliers, airlines and airports. The event, hosted by Alpha Asia and supported by RavenFox.com sister publication Duty-Free News International, will address the future of one of the world's most promising emerging markets. The newly-formed Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association has pledged its support for the event.

Among the topics for discussion at the event will be the future for airports in India, as the government begins the long-awaited privatisation process. The impact of low-cost airlines on travel patterns will also be addressed, with speakers from some of India's new budget carriers. 

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Alpha Asia managing director Paul Topping will moderate the event, assisted by DFNI editor John Rimmer.

Retailers India Tourist Development Corp and Flemingo International have registered their interest in the event, while high-ranking officials from the Indian ministry of tourism and the Tourist Board of India are also expected to participate.

Among the suppliers to pledge their support are Diageo, Kraft Foods, Paton's, Pernod Ricard, JTI, Chanel, Brown-Forman, Masterfoods, Estée Lauder, Cosmopolitan Cosmetics, William Grant & Sons, Heineken, Cadbury Schweppes and Bacardi.

The event will begin with a cocktail reception at the Meridien on February 21 at 7pm, while a glittering gala dinner will be held at a surprise location in Cochin after the first day of the workshop on February 22. After the end of the workshop, delegates will be offered optional tours of Cochin, one of southern India's most fascinating cities. 

For more information on the event and to register your place, please contact Chethika Hapugalle on tel: +94 11 243 1581 or e-mail: chapugalle@alpha-group.com