Petisquera to open duty-free outlets at Ciudad del Este

John Gallagher

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The Paraguayan retailer gains permission to operate duty-free at the country's second largest airport

The Petisquera Group is to open duty-free outlets at Ciudad del Este airport in Paraguay after operating duty-paid retail at the location for six years. The government and Customs authorities have granted approval for the two new airside outlets, which will be opened next week.

The new stores, measuring 125sq m (1,345 sq ft) and 65sq m (699sq ft), will offer international brands from all traditional duty-free categories as well as newer categories in line with the airport's passenger profile. Petisquera president Mohamed "Alejandro" Mannah told RavenFox.com that the stores represent a major improvement in service levels to international passengers.

"We have been investing heavily in the region for many years," said Mannah, "and the new government decree allowing us to operate duty-free outlets is official recognition of the way we have done business over the past few years."

Airport administrator Julio Cesar Bittar confirmed the decision. "The new outlets will be a boon to travelers at Cuidad del Este," he said. "We will be increasing the number of international flights from the airport over the next few months, adding to the current services to Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo and Curitaba."