Dubai Duty Free joined the industry big league when new statistics issued by Generation Group confirmed that the operation, which recorded sales of 1.1 billion Emirati dirhams ($306 million) in 2002, is now the fifth largest duty free operation in the world in terms of turnover.
The figures, which were issued by the Swedish-based research company at the Trinity Forum Conference in London last month, place Dubai Duty Free among the top five duty free operations in the world along with London Heathrow, Singapore, Amsterdam and Paris.
”What is very clear from the figures is that the spend per passenger at Dubai Duty Free, which is estimated at around $34 per head, is above the average spend in other airports which have a much higher traffic flow. Given our sales figures so far this year, we think we can move even higher up the chart in 2003," said Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin.
Sales for the first half of 2003 seem to bear this out, with figures reaching Dh 592 million and representing a 16 percent increase over the same period last year. "Sales have bounced back to normal following a short term dip during the regional crisis and we are now looking ahead to ensuring that this year, which is our 20th year of operation, is one of the most successful ever," added McLoughlin.
Dubai Duty Free began operations in December 1983 and first year sales reached $20 million. The operation currently employs over 1,000 staff and of the initial 100 staff employed in 1983, 64 still remain in service. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
