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INTERNATIONAL. Duty Free World Council (DFWC) has commissioned consultants to build a global industry database and prepare the first in a series of studies examining the economic impact of the industry.
The study – from consultants Harry Bush and Daniel Storey – will detail the contribution of travel retail to tourism, economic development, employment and the international development of small-to-medium sized businesses.
DFWC President Frank O’Connell explained that the industry lacks “a central database that draws on the many sources of information that exist and collates the most relevant data to create a clear picture of the industry’s size, scope and economic and social impact”.
The two projects will assist DFWC and its member associations in putting their arguments to regulatory and legislative institutions, O’Connell added.
The projects will be coordinated from the DFWC side by Kshitij (Kay) Goyal, who has joined the association and is already compiling an Industry Library and Resource Centre at DFWC’s office in Paris.
O’Connell said: “I would like to give a warm welcome to Kay, whose input will be especially important in the initial phases of this study. The work on which we are now embarking with Harry and Daniel is central to the core aims of the DFWC.”
Meanwhile O’Connell reported that DFWC is in the exploratory stage of considering a new benchmark for training standards in the industry. He said that while many conversations remain to be had, he was encouraged by the possibilities.
NOTE: Companies willing to donate reports, papers, videos and other resources to the fledgling Industry Library and Resource Centre can contact Kshitij Goyal at Kshitij.Goyal@dfworldcouncil.com
