HAINAN, CHINA. Hainan Tourism Investment Duty Free Co (HTDF), a leading player in Hainan’s integrated tourism and offshore duty-free sector, today (1 December) announced the appointment of highly regarded travel retail executive Eudes Fabre as its new General Manager.
The appointment is effective immediately and signals a significant step in HTDF’s strategy to enhance its competitive edge and strive for operational excellence, the travel retailer saaid.
Fabre brings two decades of experience in the global luxury, travel retail and duty-free sectors. A fluent Chinese speaker, he previously held senior leadership roles at China Duty Free Group and Lagardère Travel Retail.
Fabre possesses a deep understanding of consumer trends, brand development and operational excellence, which will be instrumental in steering HTDF’s ambitious expansion plans, the company said.
He has previously developed and managed large-scale luxury retail projects, airport and railway station master-concessions, and duty-free operations in Mainland China, Hong Long and Japan.
The appointment comes as Hainan continues to solidify its position as a premier global destination for duty-free shopping. The implementation of the next phase of the Hainan Free Trade Port by the end of this year marks a milestone in the island’s development as a key destination for tourism and commerce.
HTDF, anchored by its flagship HTDF Shopping Complex in downtown Sanya, is poised to capture a greater share of this dynamic market under Fabre’s leadership, the retailer said.
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This strategic move underscores HTDF’s commitment to attracting top-tier global talent to accelerate development and reinforce its contribution to Hainan’s economy, the company added.
“We are delighted to welcome Eudes Fabre to lead HTDF during this pivotal time of opportunity in Hainan,” said Hainan Tourism Investment.
“His proven track record in building world-class travel retail experiences and his international expertise align perfectly with our vision to make HTDF a benchmark for innovation and service in the duty-free industry. We are confident that Eudes is the right leader to strengthen our brand partnerships, elevate the customer journey, and deliver sustained growth.”
HTDF highlighted Fabre’s credentials, including his global luxury and retail expertise; strategic vision; deep regional insight; operational excellence. Additionally his digital expertise includes a track record in building omnichannel luxury retail experiences, developing CRM programs with strong ROI, and implementing data analytics initiatives, the company noted.
Fabre commented: “I am honoured to join HTDF, a project I helped launch five years ago [during his time with Lagardère Travel Retail –Editor]. With the progress of the global Free Trade Port, Hainan represents one of the most exciting luxury retail, leisure and investment landscapes in the world today.
“I look forward to working with the talented HTDF team to further develop our competitive advantage in the offshore duty-free market. Our focus will be continuously enhancing our brand offer, delivering exceptional and personalised service to our customers, and contributing to Hainan’s vision of becoming a renowned global destination.”
As it approaches its fifth anniversary, HTDF said it has ambitious plans to elevate retail operations, enhance capabilities and strengthen brand partnerships. This renewal and upgrade programme combines an evolution in merchandising strategy toward direct sourcing, an in-depth focus on human resources development and a significant capital investment plan, the company added. 🏝️
About Hainan Tourism Investment Duty Free
Hainan Tourism Investment Duty Free Co. Ltd (HTDF) is a subsidiary of Hainan Tourism Investment Group, a key provincial state-owned enterprise.
HTDF operates the 95,000sqm HTDF Mall in downtown Sanya, Hainan. The duty-free offer includes over 1,000 international and domestic brands spanning the beauty, fashion, watches, jewellerry, liquor and gift categories.
The company is committed to providing a world-class shopping experience and leveraging the travel and hospitality assets of its parent company. HTDF plays a vital role in advancing Hainan’s International Tourism Consumption Center initiative.
