Jordan's King Abdullah II to open Middle East Symposium

Print Article E-Mail Article

His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan will officially open the eighth annual Middle East and Africa Duty Free Symposium, to be held in the Jordanian capital Amman in January 2002. The King will address delegates at the event's opening ceremony, alongside a list of other high-profile speakers that includes the country's deputy prime minister Dr Muhammad Halayka.

Symposium organizers Publishing International and Raven Fox Conferences noted that it represents a first for the global duty-free industry. "Not only does it solidify the Royal Family's support for our industry, it also represents the first time that a head of state has inaugurated a duty-free conference anywhere in the world," said Publishing International director Aijaz Khan. "We are truly honoured that His Majesty will join us on this very important occasion."

The symposium, originally scheduled for November, will take place on 20-22 January 2002 with a revised programme under the theme "Duty Free & Travel Retailing after September 11: A Global Debate."

"This is the first time since the horrible September attacks that the duty-free industry has an opportunity to come together with the goal of examining and discussing the consequences of these events on our industry," explained Khan.

Khan also stressed that the symposium is open to all, regardless of region. "We feel the topics under discussion will be of interest to many, given today's challenging circumstances. We encourage everyone, from all regions, to attend."

• For more information on registering for the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Symposium, please contact Pina Lagrotteria at:
  pina@pub-intl.com; tel: +1 905 789 1147 ext. 25; fax: +1 905 789 1169

Symposium sponsors: Jordan Tourism Board, Middle East Duty Free Association,
Gulf Air Duty Free Division, Royal Jordanian, Weitnauer Tuxedo, Kuwait Airport Duty Free, Mars, Philip Morris, Traveller Limited, Qatar Airways, Reemtsma, Jordanian Duty Free Shops.