FIJI. Motibhai Group is celebrating 46 years of service to the Fijian tourism and travel retail sectors. The landmark comes as the duty free industry worldwide marks its 70th anniversary*, having been founded at Shannon Airport in Ireland by Dr Brendan O’Regan.
The retailer opened its first store at Nadi International Airport in 1971, pioneering the duty free trade in the Pacific nation.
“We have an unbroken record of 46 years as far as duty free and travel retail is concerned and this segment of our business has literally evolved with the tourism sector and economic prosperity of our beloved country,” said Motibhai Group Chairman Kirit Patel.
“We are an integral part of the world duty free scene. In the intervening years we have brought innovation and world-class operations at Nadi Airport’s duty free store.” Patel said he believed the 46-year tenure constituted a world record for a continuous airport duty free operation.
“More importantly, we have always presented our offerings to meet the exacting requirements of an ever-changing passenger mix. This has been the hallmark of our success, as passenger satisfaction is of paramount importance.”
In 1996 the airport duty free operation was rebranded as Prouds, to align the retail identity with the group’s downtown and resort stores.
Patel said the steady development of Nadi International Airport since it was established in the 1940s has created opportunities for generations of travellers and business operators.
“I wish to commend the management of Airports Fiji Limited for carrying on the good work and keeping up with the times via its modernization project to enable a world-class shopping and travelling experience for visitors to our shores,” he said.
Airports Fiji Limited Executive Chairman Faiz Khan commended Motibhai Group on its long service to the duty free and travel retail industry.
“Nadi International Airport has transformed itself to meet the modern traveller’s needs,” he said.
“An important part of our airport experience is duty free shopping. Our passengers have the luxury of choosing from world-renowned brands that are available at our duty free outlets such as Prouds.
“With the Nadi Airport upgrades now complete, our passengers enjoy a walk-through duty free shopping shopping experience. The expansion and refurbishments mean our passengers are processed with ease, allowing them more time to spend shopping in our duty free outlets.”
*Note: The Moodie Davitt Report is publishing a special book to celebrate the 70th anniversary of duty free & travel retail. Readers can pre-order hard copies of this commemorative title via the form below. To advertise in this landmark project, contact Sarah Genest at Sarah@MoodieDavittReport.com
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