MEDFA conference sounds upbeat note

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This year's Middle East Duty Free Association conference in Dubai, which ended today (December 4), addressed the rapid pace of change in the travel-retail industry's most vibrant market

Organised by Tax Free World Association with the participation of Moodie International, the event attracted almost 300 delegates plus a strong line-up of speakers from the region and elsewhere. It was opened by Emirates Airlines chairman and president of Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Among the highlights of the conference was a keynote speech from Gulf Air president and ceo James Hogan, who addressed the recent turmoil in the aviation industry alongside the optimism in the Middle East as airlines update and expand their fleets. A panel of key retailers comprising Abu Dhabi Duty Free's Dan Cappell, Dufry Sharjah's Jan Baljet, Dubai Duty Free's George Horan and Emirates' John Sime looked at the importance of effective in-store promotions. Cappell analysed the background to Abu Dhabi's Summer Adventure promotion success, while Baljet gave an interesting and entertaining insight into Dufry's efforts to motivate staff. The burgeoning market in North Africa was described by Dufry ceo Western Europe and Africa Antoine d'Oiron and Societe Hamila director Tarek Hamila.

Day two highlights included a presentation on the future of tourism in the Middle East by Travel Trade Gazette regional editor Sarah Antoniou, followed by a session on the liquor, confectionery and beauty categories in the region. Staff training was the subject of thought-provoking presentations from Abu Dhabi Duty Free's Colin Reynolds and Travel Retail Training managing director Christine Martin, while Aldeasa's Pedro Castro and ARY Group director fine jewellery Naheed Anees discussed the importance of destination merchandise in the Middle East.

The conference concluded with a lively discussion on pricing featuring members of the MEDFA board alongside TFWA ceo Andrew Ford and Brown-Forman's Richard Ferne.

Next year's event will take place on November 27-28. It will be preceded by the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup on November 25-26 and followed by the second Middle East Exclusive exhibition, to be held on November 29-December 1.