John Rimmer has worked in the duty free and travel retail industry since 2000, when he joined trade journal Duty-Free News International as a reporter. Within three years he had been appointed editor of sister publication Travel Retailer International, before becoming editor of DFNI a year later. In 2006 he relocated to Paris, where he joined retailer Aelia as Deputy Director of Business Development, helping the company to develop its presence at airports beyond France.
Four years later he returned to the UK to become Executive Director – Business Development at leading trade publisher The Moodie Report. In October 2012 John returned to Paris to join Tax Free World Association as Conference, Research and Corporate Affairs Director, tasked with strengthening the Association’s services to its members across the world.
In September 2017 John was appointed Managing Director of TFWA.
John has taken part in the moderation of several industry conferences, including the Global Travel Retail Summit, The Trinity Forum, TFWA Asia Pacific Conference and TFWA China’s Century Conference.
An exploration of the current issues facing the inflight market, including the following topics:
• Using new technology to better engage travellers
• “Big data” and the potential for more targeted promotional initiatives
• Product range
• Communication of the offer
• Crew incentivisation
Speakers at the workshop will include Tourvest Inflight Retail Services Head of New Business Development
Joe Harvey; Qatar Airways Inflight Operations Manager
Eoin Martin Cox and Marketing & Commercial Director, Dutyfly Solutions
Baptiste Duguit.
Please note: workshops A&B run simultaneously
Social media and comparison sites are playing an increasingly influential role in the travel industry, and on the choices and behaviour of the traveller. How can the travel retail industry turn this trend to its advantage? Terry Kane, Head of Auto, Finance, Telco and Travel, MENA Region at Facebook, will share his vision of the future of travel and of the connected traveller, and the opportunities for related industries.
One of Jordan’s most respected statesmen and former Minister for Tourism, Mayor Biltaji will address Jordan’s plans to build on its status as one of the region’s leading tourist destinations.
Akel Biltaji was born in Gaza, Palestine in 1941. Having graduated with a degree in Education in the summer of 1962, he immediately joined the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) in Saudi Arabia. In the summer of 1969 he returned to Jordan to join Royal Jordanian Airlines as a senior management officer. In a distinguished 28-year career with the airline he served in various capacities, the last of which was Senior Vice President.
In March 1997 His Majesty, the late King Hussein, appointed Akel Biltaji as Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. He continued to serve in this role under His Majesty King Abdullah II until June 2001, when he was appointed by His Majesty as Chief Commissioner for the newly declared Region of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. In February 2004 King Abdullah appointed Akel Biltaji as His Majesty’s Advisor on Tourism Promotion, Foreign Direct Investment and Country Branding.
In November 2005 His Majesty appointed Akel Biltaji as a member of the House of Senate, where he served as Chairman of the Tourism and Heritage House Committee, and as a member of the Foreign Relations, Health and Environment and Education House Committees. In September 2013 the Prime Minister appointed Akel Biltaji as Mayor of Amman.
Akel Biltaji has represented his country in a number of national, regional and international forums and conferences, including the World Economic Forum both in Davos and the Dead Sea. He also sits on the boards of a number of national and international organizations and institutions. He is known to be one of Jordan’s strongest public speakers especially on issues related to the country’s image, the holy sites and protection of heritage.
He has been decorated with the highest orders by the heads of State of Japan, Norway, France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Chile and at home. He is a member of Skål International Amman.
Dermot Davitt, Vice Chairman and Editorial Director, The Moodie Report
John Rimmer, Conference, Research & Corporate Affairs Director
