SEYCHELLES. Duty free is fundamentally linked to Seychelles’ travel and tourism business, and it is growing, according to the Seychelles Marketing Board.
Seychelles is a dream destination to lots of holidaymakers, but even a paradise needs to do business. In the Seychelles, the duty free operation is run under the name Seychelles Duty Free by two companies, one of which is the Seychelles Marketing Board (SMB).
At the TFWA World Exhibition this week, SMB manager in the International Trade Unit Farrukh Kidwai told The Moodie Report: “Although tourism is down by -7% in January to September, our duty free business has grown by +7%, which shows customer interest and increased spending in our retail outlets.
“This has been possible with the help and cooperation of suppliers. Their frequent visits and investment programme in the training of our staff – and close cooperation – has led to this performance. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each one of them.”
SMB operates a total of five duty free outlets: two in departures and one in arrivals at Mahe International airport, one at Praslin domestic airport and one downtown.
“Our outlets are done in traditional style and offer a very convenient and pleasant shopping environment,” said Kidwai. “We also cater to duty free segments such as embassies, high commissions and ship chandlers.”
