Travel and tourism have been pivotal in driving economic growth in the Middle East and Africa. To enhance its status as a premier travel destination, the region is making substantial investments in expanding airport capacity resulting in a boost in airport retail space. A panel of retail executives will discuss recent developments and the importance of non-aeronautical revenues for airports in the region featuring Marcus Spahn, General Manager of Commercial Non-Aero at MATARAT Holding; Chichi Maponya, co-founder and Executive Chairperson of Africa Travel Retail; Abdeslam Agzoul, CEO Middle East and Africa of Avolta AG. Additionally, Ashish Chopra, CEO of Delhi Duty Free will discuss the growth opportunities linked to the Indian subcontinent.

The MEADFA Conference will update delegates on the issues the industry must address to safeguard its growth in the Middle East & Africa. The session will feature Rob Marriott, Chair of the MEADFA Advocacy Group along with committee members Banu Eksi, Rania Abou Hussein, Roger Jackson, and Chichi Maponya. This critical session will also hear an update from Duty-Free World Council President Sarah Branquinho, who will provide global context and explain the strategies being employed to address fundamental key challenges. The session will be moderated by John Rimmer.

PRESENTATIONS:
Sarah BRANQUINHO

Travel and tourism are on track for a robust recovery in the coming years, fuelled by rising visitor numbers, a focus on business travel, and increasing investment in the sector. Addressing evolving traveler needs will be crucial for long-term success. To provide the latest data and insight, the session will hear from ForwardKeys Vice President of Brands, Retailers and Media, Marina Giuliano.

PRESENTATION
Marina GIULIANO

Winds of change are sweeping through Saudi Arabia, creating significant opportunities in travel retail. Propelled by Vision 2030, an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a diverse economy and vibrant society; positioning it as a leading global destination.  How can the duty free and travel retail industry tap into these exciting developments?  To provide insight, the session will hear from Frank Cortes, Director of Public and Commercial Venue Management of King Salman International Airport on the key developments in this new era.

PRESENTATION
Frank CORTES

East Africa is set for a vibrant expansion in travel and tourism, making the region an increasingly popular destination for travelers worldwide. This growth opens up exciting opportunities for the travel retail industry to engage with a diverse and expanding audience, tapping into both business and luxury markets. The session will hear from Nomusa Khumalo, Chief Customer Officer of Tourvest and Raphael Curiger, founder and CEO of Pure Africa and Amadi.

PRESENTATIONS
Nomusa KHUMALO
Raphael CURIGER

Sustainability has emerged as a critical concern for every company, carrying equal weight with the end consumer. During the MEADFA Conference held in Accra last year, participants gained valuable insights into the association’s efforts to invigorate the duty-free and travel retail industry, raise awareness, and spark action on this urgent issue. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from Munif Mohammed, MEADFA’s Sustainability Lead and CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail KSA and Middle East, who will provide updates on the progress made thus far and the obstacles that still need to be addressed. To hear the brand perspective, the session will also include insights from Leila Naguib, Corporate Affairs Manager of Mars.

PRESENTATIONS
Munif MOHAMMED
Leila NAGUIB