INDIA. Flemingo International has won the rights to operate a duty free shop at Mumbai Port’s cruise terminal, according to the Hindu Business Line.
Quoting an unnamed port official, the report said the new store is part of integrated facilities being created to place the recently-built cruise terminal on a par with those in developed countries. The official said that Flemingo, a UAE-headquartered international duty free chain that runs duty free outlets at Chennai and Goa ports, was selected after an open tender.
Flemingo also operates duty free outlets at several international airports in India.
The port authorities are trying to develop Mumbai, traditionally a cargo port, as a major link in international cruise shipping. This year the port expects 15 international cruise liners to call at Mumbai, Gautham Day – the Senior Docks Manger who is in charge of the cruise terminal – told Hindu Business Line.
“We want to ensure that the terminal has all facilities for international tourists,” he added, saying that it should have the facility to handle at least 3,000 passengers at a time.
The duty free shop is expected to commence operations by October, according to Flemingo India Director Atul Ahuja. “We expect better sales at the Mumbai sea terminal than at Chennai and Goa,” he said.
Besides cruise passengers a large number of foreign crew arrive at Mumbai port. Ahuja said Flemingo had also received permission to start duty free shops at Vizag and Haldia.
MORE STORIES ON FLEMINGO INTERNATIONAL
Flemingo set to fly in Indian duty free – 27/05/05
Flemingo secures Indian duty free deal – 19/12/04
King Power, TrueBell and Flemingo bid as Indian tender set to proceed – 17/11/03
