UAE/VIETNAM. Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi is the latest leading travel retail executive to join a powerful speaking line-up for The Trinity Forum 2024 in what is shaping as a blockbuster edition of the world’s leading airport commercial revenues event.
The Trinity Forum takes place on 5-6 November in Ho Chi Minh City, co-hosted by Airports Corporation of Vietnam and IPP Group. The event is owned by The Moodie Davitt Report and co-organised with Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East and ACI World.
Cidambi, long-time Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Duty Free, took over executive leadership on 1 June with his promotion to Managing Director.
Remarkably, he is only the second leader of the world’s biggest travel retailer in a single airport since its inception in 1983, stepping into the giant-size boots of his legendary predecessor Colm McLoughlin.
He has served the company with immense distinction since 1988, the past eight years as Chief Operating Officer.
During his stellar career with the travel retailer, Cidambi has held a variety of senior positions with responsibility for areas such as information technology and logistics.
He was also notable for major retail developments at Dubai’s two airports, covering over 40,000sq m of retail space.
Cidambi leads the Dubai Duty Free Leisure business through the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and The Irish Village Bar and Restaurant (in two locations), Century Village and the Dubai Duty Free Stadium.
During his 36 years with Dubai Duty Free, the company has grown dramatically, achieving sales of US$2.16 billion in 2023.
{The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie took a tour recently of the renovated Dubai Duty Free liquor & tobacco shops at Dubai International Airport Concourse B East and West with Ramesh Cidambi. Here is part one of the four-film collection. The rest can be viewed on The Moodie Davitt Report YouTube channel.}
He maintains his links with the domestic retail market through the chairmanship of a Merchants Advisory Board and as a treasurer of Dubai’s Retail Business Group.
Cidambi said: “Dubai Duty Free is pleased to continue with its sponsorship of the Trinity Forum, which is taking place this November in the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City. I have attended this forum many times over the past two decades, and it has been a great platform for our respective industry leaders to provide insights, share best practices and explore new opportunities for growth. I am looking forward to speaking at this event, and I am sure the learnings from the Forum will be invaluable.”
At the event, Dubai Duty Free will be giving away free Millennium Millionaire prize draw tickets to some lucky attendees for an opportunity to win US$1 million.
Cidambi joins an already star-studded line-up of speakers including Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths; Heathrow Airport Retail Director Fraser Brown; Lagardère Travel Retail Chairman and CEO Dag Rasmussen; Avolta CEO Xavier Rossinyol; Qatar Airways Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh; Diageo Global Travel Commercial Director for APAC, MENA and India Sandra Tassilly; Mondelez World Travel Retail Managing Director Jaya Singh and Denver International Airport Senior Vice President of Concessions Pamela Dechant.
The latest confirmed speakers also include Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager Commercial Services Hani Ezra Hussin and CAVU Head of Growth (Experiences) Rob Hassard.
Other leading industry figures to speak at the conference are Concession Planning International Managing Partner Susan Gray; Adani Airports Holding Chief Executive Officer Arun Bansal; Riyadh Airports Company Chief Commercial Officer Abdulaziz Al Asaker; and Possibilitarians Chief Executive Officer Mant Hawkins.
IPP Travel Retail CEO Phillip Nguyen will outline a myriad of positive developments in Vietnam within the wider travel and tourism ecosystem, with a special emphasis on the exciting new Long Thanh International Airport.
Smile Train, the global leader in world cleft care, was announced as the official charity of the event. IPPG is organising a unique, high-value auction at The Trinity Forum Gala Dinner to be hosted at Gem Center on 6 November to raise funds and visibility for the charity.
The Conference & Gala Dinner will be held at the Gem Center, located at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s central business district.
Delegates are highly encouraged to register ahead of the 10 September deadline to enjoy the attractive Early Bird offer of US$1,100 for ACI members, and US$1,300 for non-members. The registration fee rises to US$1,400 and US$1,600 respectively after that date. Click here to register.
The full event programme can be found here.
- For sponsorship enquiries please contact Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com
- For speaking opportunities and organisational enquiries please contact Vincci Chung at Vincci@MoodieDavittReport.com ✈
