FRANCE/INTERNATIONAL. Qatar Duty Free won the prestigious Airport Retailer of the Year accolade in the 40th Frontier Awards staged at the Carlton Hotel, Cannes on Tuesday night (1 October), organised by DFNI-Frontier.
The win – judged by an independent expert panel – completes an unprecedented double, with the Hamad International Airport retailer now holding Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year (from The Moodie Davitt-owned FAB Awards) and Frontier Airport Retailer of the Year for the second consecutive year.
{Click on the YouTube icon to view the inaugural Episode of Airport Wonders of the World from Moodie Davitt STUDIO. The three-part series of short films is dedicated to Hamad International Airport and Qatar Duty Free’s retail and dining options. Other airports will follow in coming months.
The launch series portrays the Doha gateway as a destination in itself. Episode 1 (above) features an overview of Hamad International Airport’s myriad wonders, including Orchard, the airport’s extraordinary 6,000sq m garden; a diverse arts and culture programme; superlative lounge facilities; and much more. Episodes 2 and 3, to be released in coming week, highlight Qatar Duty Free’s shopping and food & beverage offer.}
Qatar Duty Free also secured the award for Best New Specialty Shop Opening for Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “This recognition at the 2024 Frontier Awards is a testament to our dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in every aspect of our operations. Through its pioneering ideas and partnerships, Qatar Duty Free plays an integral role in the success of developing Hamad International Airport as an outstanding retail and dining hub for global travellers. As industry leaders, we remain committed to meeting and exceeding ambitious goals for the development of leading airport and travel experiences.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh added: “Receiving the most prominent recognition at the Frontier Awards for the second year in a row highlights that, as a team, we never sit still – we are constantly raising the bar and innovating. Our strategy is built on delivering memorable experiences for our customers through a world-class offering combined with five-star service excellence. We have some of our biggest and boldest ambitions ahead, so stay tuned for what’s to come.”
Other notable winners at the Frontier Awards included London Heathrow Airport for Best Airport for Retail, with Abu Dhabi Airports’ Zayed International Airport Highly Commended in the same category; and the award of Best New Duty Free Shop Opening by Travel Retail Sales & Services/ARI-Middle East also at Zayed International.
3Sixty Duty Free & More was named Inflight & Omnichannel Retailer of the Year. 3Sixty Chief Operating Officer Alex Anson said: “This award is a testament to the dedication of our global team, airline partners, and suppliers. We remain committed to advancing our omnichannel vision and delivering innovative retail experiences.”
Frontier Awards 2024 full roll of honour
Airport Retailer of the Year
Qatar Duty Free
Best Airport for Retail
London Heathrow
Best Airport for Retail – Highly Commended
Zayed International Airport – Abu Dhabi Airports
Best New Duty Free Shop Opening
Zayed International Airport – Travel Retail Sales & Services / Aer Rianta International Middle East (ARIME)
Best New Duty Free Shop Opening – Highly Commended
Bengaluru Duty Free – Bangalore International Airport
Best New Speciality Shop Opening
Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat – Qatar Duty Free
Best New Speciality Shop Opening – Highly Commended
LEGO at Dubai International Airport (Lagardère Travel Retail); Glenmorangie Boutique, London Heathrow
Border, Downtown or Port Retailer of the Year
Shopping China Duty Free
Cruise or Ferry Line Retailer of the Year
Starboard
Inflight & Omnichannel Retailer of the Year
3Sixty Duty Free & More
People & Planet Award: Diversity & Inclusion Champion
MITTI Café, MITTI Social Initiatives Foundation
People & Planet Award: Diversity & Inclusion Champion – Highly Commended
Avolta x PizzAut
People & Planet Award: Sustainability
World Duty Free and One Water – Avolta
People & Planet Award: Sustainability – Highly Commended
Nestlé ITR
Retailer Campaign of the Year
Festivalisation Rangnam, King Power Corporation
Rising Star of the Year
Rory Ford – London Heathrow
Rising Star of the Year – Highly Commended
Graeme Stewart – Enviro-Point
Star Beauty Product of the Year
BeautyPro On The Glow
Star Electronics, Toys, Gifts & Travel Accessories Product of the Year
Cabeau Evolution Cushion
Star Electronics, Toys, Gifts & Travel Accessories Product of the Year – Highly Commended
TruSense TWS Earphones – Bitmore
Star Food & Confectionery Product of the Year
Haribo & Maoam Duo Pack Sour
Star Jewellery & Watches/Fashion & Accessories Product of the Year
Star Diamond – EFFY Jewelry
Star Spirits Product of the Year
The Macallan Colour Collection – Edrington Global Travel Retail
Star Spirits Product of the Year – Highly Commended
Wildmoor 23 Year Old Waking Forest – William Grant & Sons
Teremana Tequila – Mast-Jägermeister SE
Jura Islanders’ Expression No 3 – Whyte & Mackay
Star Tobacco & New Generation Product of the Year
IQOS Iluma i – Philip Morris International
Star Wines Product of the Year
Hambledon Classic Cuvee English Sparking Wine – Virgin Atlantic Airways
Supplier Campaign of the Year
Rum Tales – Bacardi
Supplier Campaign of the Year – Highly Commended
Hendrick’s Gin Perfumery – William Grant & Sons
Supplier of the Year
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail
Supplier of the Year – Highly Commended
J-Brands
Team of the Year
Dufry Maroc Earthquake Action Avolta
Team of the Year – Highly Commended
London Heathrow
Technology Success Story of the Year
Extime Digital Ecosystem
Technology Success Story of the Year – Highly Commended
Intelligent Trolleys – Intelligent Track Systems
Judges’ Choice Award
Ospree Duty Free
Frontier Pioneer Award
Erik Juul-Mortensen, TFWA President
Outstanding Contribution Award
Jaya Singh, Managing Director, Mondelez World Travel Retail
Lifetime Achievement Award
Stewart Dryburgh, General Manager, Nestlé International Travel Retail ✈
