$16bn duty-free industry fuels optimism
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
The President of the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA), Mr. Sherif Toulan, expressed optimism about the future of the aviation and duty-free industry in West Africa and the continent as a whole.
His positive outlook is driven by ongoing investments in airport development in countries such as Sierra Leone, Benin, Senegal, Gambia, and Ghana, where governments recognize the economic benefits of tourism.
This optimism remains resolute, despite the recent rise in armed conflict in the region and as well as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“The conflict will have serious repercussions, but in such circumstances, it is up to all of us to redouble our efforts and secure our businesses by treating our customers even better,” he said.
He made these comments at the opening ceremony of the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Conference being held in Accra, where over 300 delegates in the retail, airport and airline management industries as well as tourism industry from all over the world.
Toulan indicated that MEADFA’scommitment to African travel retail is a central part of the mission to bring together industry stakeholders from retailers, brands, airports and airlines that are working together to ensure and enhance the travel experience for all African travellers.
The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who stood in for the Ministerof Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, indicated that MEADFA serves as a platform for meaningful exchanges within the travel retail industry.
He expressed the government of Ghana’s commitment to position Ghana as an epicentre where the retail dimension of travel flourishes.
He explained that “through strategic partnerships and sustainable government initiatives, we aspire to not only create a business environment that not only captivates traveller, but also nurtures a thriving retail sector.”
He added, “Africa’s importance in the travel retail industry cannot be overstated. An event like this is important in supporting our growth. Beyond the linkages it creates, this will guarantee increased passenger throughput, airport revenues, job creation and general country visibility.”
He also revealed government’s plans to make the Kumasi and Tamale airports fully functional as international airports from where a lot more business can operate.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Kwadwo Antwi, speaking on the sidelines of the conference said “it is important for partners in the duty-free retail business come together from time to time to share information and knowledge on the trends and issues that affect the industry.”
He stressed the importance of Ghana hosting the first such meeting on the continent of Africa, especially as a way of attracting global businesses into the country and drawing international attention to Ghana as a business and tourism destination.
He said, “beyond creating business for our tourist sites and local transportation and restaurant businesses, for us in the tourism industry, it creates country visibility. Over the last few weeks, within the MEADFA zone, everybody will be talking about Ghana.”
Other beneficiaries he pointed to include the airlines which will cart delegates into the country, the hotels, local artisans, among others.
The African and Middle Eastern duty-free retail market was valued at $16bn in 2020, and is estimated to grow at about 3.7% between 2023 and 2029.
