CHINA. In a landmark day for China’s travel retail sector, Wangfujing International Duty-Free Harbor City was officially inaugurated in Wanning, Hainan province, today at a powerfully impressive ceremony {please note we will updating this story constantly with new photographs in coming hours}.
The auspicious occasion was graced by leaders from the Beijing and Hainan governments, including Mr Bai Fan (General Manager of Beijing Tourism Group and Chairman of Wangfujing Group); Shang Xiping (President of Wangfujing Group); Zeng Qun (Vice President of Wangfujing Group); and Sun Lingling, (General Manager of Wangfujing International Duty-Free Harbour City).
They were joined by brand partners, Chinese media from across the country, and The Moodie Davitt Report. We begin our extended coverage of the opening with this preliminary photographic report. Look out for our extended coverage in the days and weeks ahead, including more photos and video, together with management interviews.
The opening ceremony was notable for Haikou Customs reading out its decision that Wangfujing International Duty-Free Harbour City has passed the relevant inspection and approved the store opening.
During the opening ceremony, Bai Fan and Sun Lingling, together with the store staff, participated in a compelling Wangfujing torch relay ceremony. Sun Lingling (pictured below in white) led store staff in reciting the company oath themed, ‘A fire, the fire of love.’
一团火，爱心之火，燃烧自己，温暖他人
A fire, the fire of love – We provide warm services to consumers.
一团火，匠心之火，专注品质，铸就经典
A fire, the fire of profession and ingenuity – We focus on quality of goods and services.
一团火，忠心之火，牢记使命，恪尽职守
A fire, the fire of loyalty – We always remember our mission (the dedication of our employees)
一团火，星星之火，始于京华，光耀神州。
A fire, sparks of fire – It begins in Beijing and shines all over China
Shang Xiping said that as a new force in the Hainan offshore duty free industry, Wangfujing Group has brought the ‘One Fire Spirit’ from Beijing {the company’s headquarters -Ed} to Hainan.
“We hope to build the project into the most shining star in the commercial field of Wanning and also make our own contribution to Hainan Free Trade Port,” he said.
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie was honoured to be asked to speak during the post-inauguration lunch. He said: “This is a particularly auspicious Grand Opening that celebrates not only a landmark day for Wangfujing Group and Wangfujing Duty Free but also for the Hainan Free Trade Port Programme.
“I have covered the development of the Hainan offshore duty free sector ever since the opening of the first store in Sanya in 2011 and it has been hugely exciting to see its subsequent extraordinary development in this beautiful island province.
“Today’s opening represents another triumphant step forward for Hainan’s duty free and tourism industries and for the Free Trade Port Programme. I congratulate the Wangfujing Duty Free leadership and team for this splendid achievement and wish Wangfujing International Duty-Free Harbour City a golden future here in wonderful Wanning.” ✈ {Look out for our follow-up reports coming soon}
PICTURE GALLERY (1: BEAUTY – MORE TO FOLLOW)
