Booming passenger traffic and rising investment are driving development in a region already rich in promise, as delegates at this year’s MEADFA Conference (17-19 November in Abu Dhabi) will discover.
As revenge travel ends and consumer confidence falters in several major economies, one part of the world provides duty free and travel retail with an unambiguously positive story. The MEA region is seeing strong growth in passenger traffic as well as rising investment in airlines and retail. In July alone, Doha’s Hamad International Airport hit a new monthly high with 4.73 million travellers passing through its concourses, while Dubai International Airport announced a new half-yearly record for passenger traffic at 44.9 million pax, Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in South African airline Airlink, and travel retailer Avolta inaugurated a 400m2 store in the new terminal at Lagos International Airport.
Analysing opportunity
Running from 17 to 19 November, the 2024 MEADFA Conference takes place at Abu Dhabi’s Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel. The event, managed by TFWA, is being hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports and offers a compelling programme of insight and analysis of this rapidly expanding duty free and travel retail market. Sessions on regional traffic trends, non-aeronautical revenues, customer service, AI in travel retail, sustainability and safeguarding industry growth will keep delegates abreast of the latest developments. Spotlights on the new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport, and East Africa as a rising business and leisure destination complete the picture.
Networking possibilities
Beside the formal presentations, participants will have plenty of scope to socialise and make new contacts during the coffee breaks and networking lunches. The Welcome Cocktail on Sunday evening and Monday night’s Gala Dinner, sponsored by Avolta and held at the prestigious Ethara F1 Circuit in Abu Dhabi, will provide further opportunities to mix with fellow DF&TR professionals. Early bird registration for the Conference with a 10% discount is available until 3 September, after which online pre-registration at the normal entry rates will be open to 4 November.
