QATAR. Qatar Duty Free (QDF) today confirmed exciting details of its return as a Diamond Partner for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo (11-15 October), pledging a spectacular digital showcasing of the much-anticipated Hamad International Airport (HIA) Expansion due to open in 2022.
The Virtual Travel Retail Expo is owned and managed by The Moodie Davitt Report and event partner FILTR.QINGWA. As reported, Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development (Hainan IEDB) has become a Co-Organiser of the Expo and Host of the Hainan Discovery zone.
Besides the expansion – one of the world’s most ambitious airport infrastructure projects – Qatar Duty Free (QDF) will be highlighting the extensive retail, food & beverage and services development within the South and North nodes of the existing terminal building.
As reported, the multiple award-winning travel retailer is marking its 21st anniversary this year in grand style by unveiling a major investment in the terminal and an enhanced portfolio of 21 new shopping and food & beverage outlets.
“We had a fantastic reaction to our high-profile presence at last year’s Virtual Expo and we plan to take our showcase to a stunning new level, showcasing what we have done this year and even more importantly showing the latest update and plan of the expansion”
The ‘21 in 21’ project (of which seven stores and two restaurants will open next Monday, when The Moodie Davitt Report will be reporting live on location) is designed to elevate HIA’s already acclaimed duty free and dining experience, transforming it into a premier global destination in its own right for international air travellers.
Adding to an outstanding existing portfolio of luxury brands, Viale di Lusso – as reported, a new upscale shopping and dining avenue at HIA – will incorporate Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Valentino, Chloé, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Emporio Armani Ristorante, and a Starbucks Reserve.
Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh said: “We are delighted to return as a Diamond Partner for the 2021 Virtual Travel Retail Expo in what will be our most ambitious exhibition project yet. We had a fantastic reaction to our high-profile presence at last year’s Virtual Expo and we plan to take our showcase to a stunning new level, showcasing what we have done this year and even more importantly showing the latest update and plan of the expansion.
“This reflects the increasingly buoyant nature of our business and our determination to help lead the travel retail industry’s recovery.
“Our whole management team, including all category buyers, will be attending the Virtual Expo in force, visiting our supply partners on their stands as well as welcoming visitors to the Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport zone. We look forward to seeing existing and prospective partners there.”
Note: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker will be one of the keynote speakers in the Knowledge Hub during the Expo.
