Live and online: The Moodie Davitt Magazine, November 2021

Click to open The Moodie Davitt Magazine for November 2021

INTERNATIONAL. “We want to make the experience at Qatar Duty Free second to none. We don’t just want to add shops and restaurants, we want to do it in style and quality.”

The words of Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker sum up the service and investment philosophy at the company – our cover story for this November edition.

Hamad International has been one of the world’s travel retail hotspots during this troubled year for the industry, with investment ahead of the travel curve in new retail and dining environments.

We track Qatar Duty Free’s progress through this, its 21st anniversary year, and examine some of the exciting projects to come as it builds towards a momentous 2022 – during which a major expansion of the airport and further upgrades and openings will occur in time for Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup next November and December.

The industry spotlight will be firmly on the wider Middle East and Africa region over coming days, as the MEADFA Conference takes place on 22 and 23 November in Dubai.

The event’s host travel retailer Dubai Duty Free also features prominently in our issue, as it too invests for the upturn. The reopening of much of its existing footprint, and plans for new space, is a positive signal about the future of travel through DXB and for our sector.

We also assess the future with leading international player Aer Rianta International – a pioneer and powerhouse in the Middle East – and look at the market through the eyes of leading airport companies Abu Dhabi Airports and Riyadh Airports Company.

There is much more in this edition too. We carry interviews with management from leading drinks brands Pernod Ricard, Whyte & Mackay and Beam Suntory, who between them discuss omnichannel retail, consumer engagement and other critical themes ranging from sustainability to diversity. We are also pleased to bring you an exclusive feature on Bvlgari’s strategy for growth and for travel retail, as CEO Jean-Christophe Babin talks about the luxury brand’s multi-category mission.

We hope you find this November edition a compelling and enjoyable read.

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