Doha: Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the second largest duty free operator in the Middle East, has won the ‘Travel Retailer of The Year’ at the 2014 Duty Free News International (DFNI)Global Awards for Travel Retail Excellence. This is the third time QDF has won the award.
“We are delighted to receive this award for the third time, and for the second year in a row,” said Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways.
“It demonstrates QDF’s commitment to being a retail operation of the highest quality, with customer service at the heart of everything that we do.”
QDF first won the award in 2010, and then in 2013. The award for 2014 was accepted by Keith Hunter, Senior Vice-President, and Devesh Kuwadekar, Senior Manager, QDF. The ceremony took place during the 19th annual DFNI Charity Ball at the Lancaster Hotel, London.
“One of the most significant achievements of QDF has been our ability to turn space constraints into a competitive advantage. QDF has not let the limited space at Doha International Airport (a 2,500sqm area of retail space) limit our ambitions and ability to innovate. We have delivered a steady stream of innovations to constantly delight and surprise passengers,” said Hunter.
“QDF will soon find a new home within Hamad International Airport (HIA), which will allow us to fully realise our vision: A holistic vision that encompasses retail and food and beverage to create a seamless experience for passengers.”
Passengers at HIA will be able to choose from a combination of QDF-own-branded concepts, joint ventures and concession-based outlets that offer quality and choice. The Peninsula
