ASIA PACIFIC. Membership of the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) has now risen to 60 members, with “at least ten further memberships in the pipeline”, according to President Sunil Tuli.
APTRA held its first board meeting of 2008 last week in Singapore. Tuli noted how the Incredible India Conference, organised by APTRA in Delhi last September, had boosted membership numbers and awareness of the association.
Tuli said: “Last year’s successful Incredible India Conference has demonstrated to our members that APTRA can benefit both them and the industry. India is now well represented and the composition of membership reflects industry all sectors.” APTRA recently underlined its commitment to India by appointing Rakesh Chopra of Alpha Future as Regional Director.
During last week’s meeting the board approved a plan to prioritise and to gain industry alignment on LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels) in 2008.
APTRA said it would require more effort and co-ordination to ensure that all stakeholders are “˜on the same page’ in terms of their strategies and communication.
“APTRA firmly believes that success is more likely if we all pull in the same direction,” said the association. “Therefore, at the time of APTRA’s May AGM in Singapore this year, members will be encouraged to contribute to a series of harmonised steps for all stakeholders to implement.”
“We need more momentum,” said Tuli. “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 Board also endorsed the moves by the Australian Duty Free Association (ADFA) to preserve duty free competition in Australia.
ADFA has proposed a solution which would enhance competition and deliver more choice and value to travellers. It is proposed that licensed off-airport duty free retailers be permitted to take orders for merchandise (inward duty free goods) for collection by passengers at the same off-airport shop within 30 days of their return from overseas.
This would allow licensed off-airport duty free operators to compete with the on-airport arrival shops. The proposal, said ADFA, would be easy to administer and have robust security mechanisms. This proposal would put Australia at the forefront among world leaders in Arrivals shopping, argued ADFA, benefitting the Australian economy and securing the future viability of the Australian duty and tax free industry.
The APTRA Board thanked Andrew McLeod for his enthusiastic and energetic contribution to APTRA. McLeod’s resignation from APTRA will coincide with his final day at British-American Tobacco in mid April.
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 is leaving behind a tremendous legacy.”
MORE STORIES ON APTRA
APTRA underlines commitment to India as Rakesh Chopra is named Regional Director – 21/01/08
APTRA members ‘bewildered’ by airline approach to duty free in Delhi – 29/06/07
APTRA welcomes two new Board members; outlines plans for “˜Incredible India’ conference – 15/06/07
