AFRICA. ACI Africa, in conjunction with MEADFA will focus on unlocking the commercial potential of African airports at its annual conference in Luxor, Egypt (5-7 March). The event is themed around non-aeronautical revenues for the first time in its 61-year history,
The event will examine the commercial viability of airports in Africa, and work towards growing travel retail in the region. ACI Africa noted that the channel’s potential “has yet to be realised”.
The conference will bring together speakers from airports, retailers and brands, including Lagardère Travel Retail, Dufry, Gebr Heinemann, JTI and IDF (International Duty Free Trading & Agencies).
In a joint statement, ACI Africa and MEADFA said: “African airports currently do not benefit from the commercial revenue that travel retail stores can offer airports, retailers and consumers alike, and this conference aims to shine a light on travel retail as a crucial avenue to achieve substantial growth and financial gains.
“Travel retail in Africa is facing an increasing number of challenges and ACI Africa, alongside MEADFA, the Middle East and Africa trade body, are fully committed to finding solutions for the industry.
“As in Europe and the Middle East, Africa is facing major regulatory challenges to products across the travel retail offering. Many African countries have already attempted to adopt legislation that is simply incompatible with the unique nature of the travel retail industry, with some countries even confusing free trade zones with duty free shops.
“ACI Africa and MEADFA believe that travel retail on the continent deserves better, and that the industry must come together and build upon the excellent progress that has been achieved so far.”
