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Consumer insight: tracking the post-Covid MEA traveller

Supported by the latest travel and consumer data, this session will explore how today’s traveller in the Middle East and Africa has evolved since pre-pandemic days. What do changes in demographics and spending levels say about post-covid duty free shopping in the region?

Delegates will hear from travel retail research specialist Pi Insight, whose Managing Director Stephen Hillam will present findings from an exclusive study carried out for the MEADFA Conference. A perspective from the High Street will be provided by respected global market analyst Euromonitor, whose Research Manager for Sub-Saharan African Christy Tawii will present the latest data on consumer trends in the region.

To hear the brand perspective, the session will also feature JTI Worldwide Duty Free General Manager for the Middle East, Africa, UK & Ireland Philip Haine.

Stronger together

The 2023 MEADFA Conference is held at a critical time for our industry, as the signatories to the World Health Organization’s Illicit Trade Protocol meet in November in Panama (MOP 3). At that meeting, the WHO will formally begin research into “the extent to which” duty free sales contribute to illicit trade.

This important session of the MEADFA Conference will update delegates on the implications of MOP 3 for all categories in duty free & travel retail, along with the advocacy work being done by MEADFA and its fellow associations on their behalf. Rob Marriott, Chair of the MEADFA Advocacy Group, will open the session along with the group’s category leads Roger Jackson and Milika Kalyati, while Duty Free World Council President Sarah Branquinho will provide global context.

The session will be moderated by Antoine Clément of Penta, the Association’s key advisor on its advocacy projects.

Rebuilding the model

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the faultlines in the traditional business model for airport retail. As the sector recovers, more meaningful and efficient collaboration between airlines, airports and concessionaires is needed more than ever to create a more sustainable business model. This session will explore how the airport commercial model can be adapted to ensure a durable recovery for all stakeholders.

Featuring Abdeslam Azgoul, CEO Middle East & Africa, Avolta AG; Keith Hunter, Partner, Hunter Palmer Global Retail Solutions;  and Nico Reifkogel, Director Business Development, Gebr. Heinemann.

African aviation in focus

As the MEADFA Conference comes to West Africa for the first time, the opening session of the event will bring together some of the region’s leading airports and retailers at a time of optimism for Africa’s aviation and tourism industries. A panel of senior airport executives will discuss new developments in their respective locations, address the context for international travel in the region, and explore the importance of non-aeronautical revenues to African airports.

Delegates will hear from Pamela Djamson-Tettey, Managing Director, Ghana Airports, Dina El Sherif, Commercial Development Director, Egyptian Airports Co and Luis Marin, President and CEO Europe, Middle East and Africa, Avolta AG.