INTERNATIONAL. More leading names have signed up as exhibitors for the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, as support for the event continues to be encouraging.

Among the latest names to join the line-up are the travel retail division of leading South African wines & spirits house Distell, Canadian beverage group Molson Coors, emerging brand agency Shannon Retail Innovation plus leading Out of Home advertising players oOh!Media and Talon Outdoor division Plexus, each of which take their place in the omnichannel zone of the Exhibition Hub. More partners will be named shortly.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register).

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has passed the milestone of 100 exhibitor companies, which together represent several hundred brands and service companies across the industry. Exhibitor partners small and large are being drawn by the combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display. There is a dedicated Expo and Media support package for all brands.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo promises to be a memorable showcase and experience

Distell Global Travel Retail Managing Director Luke Maga said: “As we navigate through one of the toughest periods in the history of travel retail, we welcome the opportunity to connect with our partners and introduce our NPD through the pioneering Virtual Expo platform. The event is a necessary initiative in these uncertain times and follows on nicely from the virtual Bunnahabhain tasting that we proudly hosted in June with CDF-Lagardère.

“Distell Global Travel Retail is fully committed to travel retail and we look forward to embracing the possibilities that the Expo will offer us as we look to expand throughout ASIAPAC & Europe.”

Other exhibitors have highlighted the strong showcase opportunity provided by the Virtual Expo, among them French cosmeceutical company Nuxe, recently named as a partner. Nuxe Global Travel Retail Director Marion Bruimaud said: “I believe the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a critical component in the industry’s efforts to restore as much normality as possible to these entirely abnormal times.

“Our product portfolio, especially our travel retail exclusives, have been outstandingly successful in travel retail channels. The opportunity to use this digital platform to continue to interact with our buyers safely and effectively, and to showcase our portfolio across the global travel retail community, is something we at Nuxe did not want to miss.

“The overall package is also part of the attraction for us. Access to the event’s Knowledge Hub, with a symposium, category workshops and new consumer research and visitor analytics bring added value to what I believe is going to be a truly memorable experience.”

Alongside the Exhibition Hub, the Symposium Hall and Workshop Rooms will host industry dialogue around the theme ‘Road to Recovery’, exploring how the travel retail channel will (or should) look in the future

Stephan Schneider, Sales Director Travel Retail at premium confectionery brand Cavendish & Harvey said that “unusual situations call for unusual and bold measures”. He added that the inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a “unique platform” to showcase brands and new products and to connect with existing and potential partners.

“Cavendish & Harvey is a global brand and our travel retail business is one of our most dynamic channels. So, we not only look forward to experiencing new dimensions of exhibitor trade fairs and we are delighted to foster our relationships with our partners and friends in travel retail.”

Joe Harvey, Founder of Shannon Retail Innovation, said: “As a new business Shannon Retail Innovation really welcomes this great opportunity to be part of the Virtual Expo 2020. We look forward to introducing our great new brands to everyone in travel retail and meeting you all from around the globe.”

Representing Plexus, The Talon Group Managing Partner Adrian Skelton said: “As the consumer journey through airports continues to evolve in a post Covid-19 world, we are looking forward to showcasing the Plexus & Grand Visual value proposition at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.”

Representing another leading Out of Home player, oOh!media Chief Commercial and Product Officer, Robbie Dery commented: “I’m delighted to be taking part in this year’s Virtual Travel Retail Expo after what was such a positive experience in (Trinity) 2019. Now more than ever, it’s important that as an industry we remain connected, share ideas and discuss the key issues to ensure we continue to support the aviation industry through what is a very challenging time.”

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium, complete with Exhibition Hub, Knowledge Hub (Symposium and Workshops) and Experience Hub (an immersive engagement zone).

As evidenced by an outstanding line-up of exhibitors, it is a premium event for a premium audience. The unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October and is set to be the defining travel retail industry happening in 2020.

Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners. Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business, is presenting those registered Expo visitors with multiple prospects to win grand weekly prizes in its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws (click here to register).

QATAR. 

Today we bring you full logistics details for submissions, which close on 15 September.

As reported, The QDF Factor is the brainchild of Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and The Moodie Davitt Report. It is a competition open to all brands, both within or outside the travel retail channel, that offers a top prize of a complimentary six-month listing and high-profile promotion at Qatar Duty Free’s award-winning retail offer in Hamad International Airport, Doha.

The victor will also win a six-month US$50,000 multi-media advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report, including an eZine dedicated solely to the winning entry/entries and other high-profile visibility spots.

The winner will be revealed by Qatar Duty Free at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner.

Entry arrangements

All product samples/mock-ups etc and related material must be received by 15 September at the following addresses:

1. Qatar Duty Free Company

• Office 401 & 408
• 4^th Floor, Qatar Airways Tower 3
• Building 133, Street 310, Zone 48
• P.O. Box 22553
• Doha, State of Qatar

Important note: For alcohol products please email Shanoof Mohamed Ali at Shanali@QatarAirways.com.qa to arrange specific delivery arrangements to Qatar and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for delivery to Hong Kong.

2. The Moodie Davitt Report Hong Kong

Address details via Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

3. Supporting material

You must include:

• A PDF/word document answering the entry criteria above
• Photos and/or video of the product
• Please send these to qdffactor@qatarairways.com.qa; and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

[The Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport communications team put this short Instagram clip together to capture Thabet Musleh giving Martin Moodie a sneak preview of the new-look Qatar Duty Free offer in the South Node of Hamad International Airport late last month]

Let the competition begin: Thabet Musleh and Martin Moodie, pictured in the Harrods Tea Room at Hamad International Airport, begin the exciting job of judging The QDF Factor. Entries close on 15 September.

Entrants, to be judged by Musleh, his team, and Martin Moodie, will be assessed on a series of qualitative criteria, including:

• Innovation: What does this product or concept offer that is unique, makes it stand out from its competitors, and creates a talking point for retailer and consumer alike? What is its USP?
• CSR – what additional social credentials does your product offer?
• Presentation:  What is compelling about the packaging? What makes it stand out on shelf?
• Commercial viability: Who is your product targeted at? What makes it a winner? What is your pricing policy and (going forward) marketing approach?
• Overall quality: Tell us about the R&D that went into your product, the quality of its ingredients/components etc.

Qatar Duty Free may award more than one prize if sufficiently impressed (The Moodie Davitt Report will match any additional prizes with further advertising).

Musleh said: “QDF has always worked closely with travel retail brands to create unique offers and experiences for our customers.

“Now we are really excited to provide an opportunity for all brands – no matter how big or small, with or without a presence in travel retail – to have their product in one of the top three airports in the world. We welcome all brands to participate and very much look forward to seeing really innovative concepts that will delight our customers in the post COVID-19 era.”

Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

QATAR.  Interest in The QDF Factor, an unprecedented initiative to encourage and champion creativity at a time when travel retail needs it most, is white-hot, according to Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh.

As reported, The QDF Factor is the brainchild of Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and The Moodie Davitt Report. It is a competition open to all brands, both within or outside the travel retail channel, that offers a top prize of a complimentary six-month listing and high-profile promotion at Qatar Duty Free’s award-winning retail offer in Hamad International Airport, Doha. The victor will also win a six-month US$50,000 multi-media advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report.

“The response has been incredible,” Musleh told The Moodie Davitt Report during an on-location interview at Hamad International Airport last month. “We’ve had interest from some of the industry’s biggest players and a lot of exciting independents.”

[The Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport communications team put this short Instagram clip together to capture Thabet Musleh giving Martin Moodie a sneak preview of the new-look Qatar Duty Free offer in the South Node of Hamad International Airport]

The winner will be revealed by Qatar Duty Free at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner. All entries must be received by 15 September (see details below).

Innovators, ideators, disrupters, dreamers and entrepreneurs are all being encouraged to submit entries. Musleh and The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie assessed the early entries during the latter’s visit to Hamad International Airport in late July.

Let the competition begin: Thabet Musleh and Martin Moodie, pictured in the Harrods Tea Room at Hamad International Airport, begin the exciting job of judging The QDF Factor. Entries close on 15 September.

Entrants, to be judged by Musleh, his team, and Martin Moodie, will be assessed on a series of qualitative criteria, including:

• Innovation: What does this product or concept offer that is unique, makes it stand out from its competitors, and creates a talking point for retailer and consumer alike? What is its USP?
• CSR – what additional social credentials does your product offer?
• Presentation:  What is compelling about the packaging? What makes it stand out on shelf?
• Commercial viability: Who is your product targeted at? What makes it a winner? What is your pricing policy and (going forward) marketing approach?
• Overall quality: Tell us about the R&D that went into your product, the quality of its ingredients/components etc.

Qatar Duty Free may award more than one prize if sufficiently impressed (The Moodie Davitt Report will match any additional prizes with further advertising).

Musleh said: “QDF has always worked closely with travel retail brands to create unique offers and experiences for our customers.

“Now we are really excited to provide an opportunity for all brands – no matter how big or small, with or without a presence in travel retail – to have their product in one of the top three airports in the world. We welcome all brands to participate and very much look forward to seeing really innovative concepts that will delight our customers in the post COVID-19 era.”

Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

Entry arrangements

All product samples/mock-ups etc and related material must be received by 15 September at the following addresses:

1. Qatar Duty Free Company

• Office 401 & 408
• 4^th Floor, Qatar Airways Tower 3
• Building 133, Street 310, Zone 48
• P.O. Box 22553
• Doha, State of Qatar

2. The Moodie Davitt Report Hong Kong

Address details via Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

You must include:

• A PDF/word document answering the entry criteria above
• Photos and/or video of the product
• Please send these to Thabet Musleh at tmusleh@qatarairways.com.qa; and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

Alcohol samples

For alcohol samples please email Shanoof Mohamed Ali at Shanali@QatarAirways.com.qa to arrange shipping to Qatar and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for Hong Kong delivery details.

INTERNATIONAL. Two more senior travel retail executives, one each from MSC Cruises and Tasa Meng Corporation, are in with a chance to win US$1 million or a luxury car following the latest Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo prize draws in association with Dubai Duty Free.

MSC Cruises Global Category Manager Bianca Ionescu has won a ticket for the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw and is now in with a chance of capturing the US$1 million prize.

Tasa Meng Corporation General Manager Gary Chau goes into the Finest Surprise draw with the opportunity to win a luxury car.

Each of our weekly draws is conducted through an online random name generator.

[Important note: In the event of any individual winning an ultimate grand prize, it can be donated to charity if a company policy precludes accepting individual benefits.]

Retailer and airport representatives can register for free, and are in with a chance to join other ticket winners in the Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws

To register for The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo (12-16 October) and qualify for each prize draw in the run-up to the event, please click here.

Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business, is offering registered Expo visitors multiple opportunities to win grand prizes in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws.

As reported, all registered retailers, buyers and airport executives will have the chance to win a ticket for the two immensely popular draws every Friday between now and the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which is due to commence on 12 October.

The Virtual Travel Expo has attracted encouraging support from across the industry. For exhibitors, the event features a range of Virtual Stands at different price levels, each offering a high-class digital experience, complimentary Expo Guide advertising, and unrivalled visibility to the global travel retail community at a time needed most.

Through the power of our own media and that of other Preferred Media Partners (who will be able to showcase their digital publications in the official Press Centre) and visiting KOLs, The Moodie Davitt Report will also ensure tremendous global exposure for all exhibitor partners.

Over the past 20 years, the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion has changed the lives of 332 winners and their families. Seven lucky individual winners have won twice. The Finest Surprise Promotion is now in its 30th year, making it the longest-running duty free promotion in the world.

INTERNATIONAL. Support for the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo continues to be encouraging, as brand owners of all sizes seize the opportunity to connect with business partners against the challenging background of the COVID-19 crisis.

New exhibitor partners to join in recent days include leading drinks group Bacardi Global Travel Retail (as reported), premium eyewear specialist Marchon, French wine company Peuch & Besse, French cosmeceutical company Nuxe, Austrian distiller Franz Bauer, Barcelona-based personal care brand Beter, plus Haan, a sanitiser brand built around the principles of sustainability.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register).

Exhibitor partners small and large are being drawn by the combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display. There is a dedicated Expo and Media support package for all brands. A powerful visitor audience comprising travel retail and airport executives is promised.

Exhibitor partners are being attracted by the combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display

Sylvain Combe, CEO of innovative French wine company Peuch & Besse, said: “Following the cancellation of the TFWA Singapore and Cannes exhibitions the Virtual Expo will be a great opportunity.

“This year, we have been further apart than ever before from our customers and partners, and for a longer time. I am happy that you are giving us the occasion to listen to everyone, as well as to discuss what solutions we can find together, and help business take off faster. Our authentic wine growers will be with us through their videos, presenting their wines, their terroir and tradition. So we are fully equipped for the digital fair.”

Representing eyewear designer, manufacturer and distributor Marchon, President Nicola Zotta said: “We are very proud to be part of and support the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. This is a great initiative giving an innovative and necessary platform for the industry stakeholders to work together on reshaping the future of Travel Retail. Marchon Eyewear and the sunglasses category will continue to play an important role in ensuring travel retail has sunnier days ahead.”

As reported, leading sunglasses companies — including Marchon alongside Kering Eyewear, Luxottica Group, Marcolin and Safilo — have announced that the Sunglasses Workshop 2020 will take place at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo on 14 October. The dynamic digital workshop, themed ‘All Eyes On…Recovery,’ will be live-streamed to a global audience.

Other exhibitors also highlighted the showcase opportunity provided by the Virtual Expo, among them leading beauty and well-being house L’Occitane Group – whose core brands include L’Occitane en Provence, Elemis and Erborian. The company said: “We believe in a committed, engaging and seamless connection with our beauty community and partners. Aligned with the entrepreneurial spirit of the company, the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo offers an innovative format that echoes our group spirit and direction.

“Partners will be able to explore L’Occitane Group brands, signature products and key innovations through an immersive installation,” says the premium cosmetics company of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

“Partners will be able to explore L’Occitane Group brands, signature products and key innovations through an immersive installation. Adding to the Provencal art de vivre and rich story-telling & experiences of L’Occitane en Provence, we will showcase Elemis – an award-winning luxury skincare brand sourced from nature and led by science – and Erborian – effortless yet powerful beauty game-changers drawn from Korean beauty expertise.

“We are excited to participate in this interactive event and unveil the latest innovations in our natural committed brands.”

Representing Italian premium winemaker Masi Agricola, Export and Travel Retail Sales Director Pier Giuseppe Torresani said: “Masi is proud to be part of the first edition of the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. It is going to be the first sign of a new start as this milestone represents the beginning of a different era, in an unusual shape.

“Travel retail is a strategic channel for Masi and we want to be at the forefront of this new start. It has always been in the soul of Masi to be innovative and it represents the occasion to give a positive message to the market.

Buyers can look forward to engaging virtually with the extensive Masi wine collection

“At the same time we are glad to consolidate our partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report, which has always been a great supporter of the wine category.”

As reported, a virtual Wine O’Clock event will put the spotlight on the wine category and its burgeoning potential in travel retail. Brand owners representing several key wine-producing nations will participate, alongside leading retailers and a surprise guest. The event will feature an exclusive (virtual) tasting session of some outstanding wines.

Long-established Austrian distiller Destillerie Franz Bauer, as noted above, is another new addition to the exhibitor line-up. Export and GTR Director Hannes Koch said: “We are really looking forward to showcasing our crafted spirits of premium quality to the travel retail audience for the first time. In the 100 years of our company we have always believed that ‘from the field to the bottle’ is more than a buzzword and are convinced that our highly accoladed and innovative products will be well received by the international travelling shopper. We can and will support our retail partners with good storytelling and POS activities to ensure good revenue.”

German eyewear specialist Rodenstock will join a growing list of eyewear brands at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo. Director Global Retail & Ikam Eyewear Petra Eckhardt-Koestler said: “Rodenstock is delighted to exhibit at this new exhibition format with its eyewear brands.”

INTERNATIONAL. Italian premium, luxury and sports eyewear house Luxottica has become a Platinum Partner for the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.

Luxottica is the global and travel retail leader in the eyewear category. The company has over 7,400 optical and sun retail stores worldwide. Its glittering portfolio includes proprietary brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Vogue Eyewear, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Arnette, Costa del Mar and Alain Mikli.

Licensed brands include Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Bulgari, Chanel, Coach, Dolce&Gabbana, Ferrari, Michael Kors, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Valentino and Versace.

Luxottica’s support of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo continues a longstanding commitment to digital innovation. Last year it unveiled a digital tool called ‘Discover the World in a New Light’ in collaboration with Gebr Heinemann. The travel retail app allows customers to check real-time weather at their flight destinations and suggests different Luxottica frame models based on the results.

Luxottica Group Global Channels Director Alessandro Pozzi said, “Luxottica really appreciates the spirit of innovation and positivity behind the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, and we’re excited to announce our participation as a Platinum Partner.

“We believe the sunglasses category can be a major catalyst for the recovery of the channel. At the Expo, Luxottica will be presenting a variety of rejuvenation initiatives and new digitalised solutions to retailers, airports and other stakeholders which we believe will help stimulate category recovery, as well as giving our full support to the virtual Sunglasses Workshop alongside our category partners. See you there!”

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “To have such a stellar brand house as Luxottica join us on our pioneering virtual journey is a thrill and a privilege.

“Luxottica not only boasts a roll-call of great brand names but has a DNA rich in craftsmanship, creativity, innovation, and passion. Whether we’re talking design, manufacture or distribution of fashion, luxury and sports eyewear, Luxottica is a byword for leadership and excellence.

With China Duty Free Group (CDFG) a Diamond Partner of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, and several other leading Chinese travel retailers attending, the focus on China echoes that of Luxottica to the country. The eyewear house recently launched the Prada Linea Rossa range on an initially exclusive basis with CDFG, followed by a global rollout in October. The launch is being promoted heavily on CDFG’s Weibo channel with a highly-targeted social campaign.

Glittering portfolio: Luxottica embraces a roll-call of great brand names across the burgeoning eyewear sector

“The sunglasses category has not only been one of travel retail’s stand-out sectors for many years but, as Alessandro Pozzi points out, it is one likely to lead the recovery that is coming. When Luxottica commits to a project, it commits wholeheartedly and I cannot wait to see what they bring to this amazing virtual party in October.”

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium, complete with Exhibition Hub, Knowledge Hub (Symposium and Workshops) and Experience Hub (an immersive engagement zone).

As evidenced by a stellar line-up of exhibitors, it is a premium event for a premium audience. The unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, and is set to be the defining travel retail industry happening in 2020.

Industry stakeholders interested in attending the Virtual Travel Retail Expo and the Sunglasses Workshop can register here. 

Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners. Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business, is presenting those registered Expo visitors with multiple prospects to win grand weekly prizes in its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws (click here to register).

CSR commitment

There is also a strong CSR element to the Virtual Expo. The Moodie Davitt Report is to fund a cleft operation through the Smile Train charity for every registered exhibitor. And underlining the Virtual Travel Retail Expo’s and eco-friendly credentials (no travel involved, no shipping, no stand construction or breakdown etc), The Moodie Davitt Report will also make a substantial donation to The Trinity Forest Project – a tree-planting initiative unveiled at The Trinity Forum in Doha last October.

One visitor = one tree. That is the simple formula being adopted by the event, an initiative announced to mark World Environment Day on 5 June. The Trinity Forest Project, soft launched at The Trinity Forum in Doha last year, is powered by One Tree Planted, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation

The social contribution doesn’t stop there.  FILTR, our partner in curating the Virtual Expo, has pledged to donate 5% of all design fees from the event to ImpactHK – the 2020 nominated charity of Women in Travel Retail (WiTR). ImpactHK supports the homeless in Hong Kong with a particular focus on women and the aged. Women on the streets, as in many other cities, are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to abuse and attack.

INTERNATIONAL. The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo has attracted almost 90 exhibitors representing hundreds of brands, with numerous other agreements close to being finalised and more partnerships to be announced in coming days.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register). It features a star-studded series of activities, including a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

The response to The Moodie Davitt Report’s initiative is encouraging against the backdrop of the most challenging period in industry history. The virtual event is set to bring the trade together at time when solidarity and partnership are needed most.

The response to the Virtual Travel Retail Expo has been hugely encouraging amid the toughest of times for the industry

As reported, registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners. Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business, is presenting those registered Expo visitors with multiple prospects to win grand prizes in its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws (click here to register).

There is also a strong CSR support element to the Virtual Expo. The Moodie Davitt Report is to fund a cleft operation through the Smile Train charity for every registered exhibitor.

Retailers and airports can sign up to the Virtual Travel Retail Expo for free

Exhibitor partners small and large (full list to date below) are being drawn by the combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display.

In addition, there is the chance for brand newness to shine through The QDF Factor, an unprecedented initiative to encourage and champion creativity, the brainchild of Qatar Duty Free and The Moodie Davitt Report.

The QDF Factor, launched earlier this month, is a competition open to all brands, both within or outside the travel retail channel, that offers a top prize of a complimentary, six-month listing and high-profile promotion at Qatar Duty Free’s award-winning retail offer in Hamad International Airport, Doha. The victor will also win a six-month US$50,000 multi-media advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report.

The winner will be revealed by Qatar Duty Free at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner.

INTERNATIONAL. Unilever, Mazaya, Halewood Wines & Spirits, Augustinus Bader, Cavendish & Harvey and Smart Project are among the latest exhibitors to sign up for the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, as momentum builds behind what will be the defining industry event of the year.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register). It features a star-studded series of activities, including a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

Exhibitor partners small and large are being drawn by the combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display. There is a dedicated Expo and Media support package for all brands. A stellar visitor audience comprising travel retail and airport executives is promised.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has attracted a stellar list of brand partners who will be visited by retailers from all around the globe

We bring you reaction from some of our recently confirmed partners below. 

Representing fast-growing shisha brand Mazaya, Global Duty Free Manager Rawan Elayyan said: “The whole idea of a virtual expo resonates well with Mazaya as we’re a young dynamic brand with a flair for innovation. The fact that we still get the chance to interact with buyers and operators in the midst of all restrictions is exactly what our industry needs to cope with the ‘new normal’. The Virtual Expo is such an unconventional and immersive experience and we’re glad to be among the first tobacco brands to take part in it.” 

From wines & spirits company Halewood, which owns powerhouse brand Whitley Neill, Head of Global Travel Retail Eamon Prunty said: “We are very excited to be taking part in the innovative Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. This forum allows our industry to convene virtually by embracing technology and allows us a platform to showcase our portfolio across the global travel retail community. The Expo is very relevant, given the current challenging global economic conditions, and we look forward to participating in the event.”

Moscow-based marketing agency Smart Project is also looking forward to connecting with the industry through the Virtual Expo. CEO and Founder Nadia Emelyanenko said: “With the sudden and acute crisis we are all going through, there is almost zero business activity in the travel retail sector. At the same time the support of our business partner peers promises great opportunities in the future. We decided to look at things from a new perspective: it is now extremely important not to stop working, but to transfer our business into the digital space.”

All airport companies and travel retailers can register for the Virtual Expo for free

All exhibitor partners at the Virtual Expo will benefit from:

*Unrivalled visibility at the defining travel retail industry event in 2020

*The opportunity to exhibit to a powerhouse visitor audience that includes the world’s leading airports and travel retailers, across all channels

*A high-quality digital experience

*A range of pricing options to suit all budgets

*In-depth visitor analytics for the entire period

*A dedicated support package that includes complimentary Expo Guide advertising

*Strong editorial support up to and during the event through The Moodie Davitt Report, our other Preferred Media Partners (who will be able to showcase their digital publications in the official Press Centre) and visiting KOLs.

*Access to the event’s Knowledge Hub, featuring a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners. (Click here to register). As reported, The Moodie Davitt Report is to fund a cleft operation through the Smile Train charity for every registered exhibitor at the pioneering event.

To find out more about what the Virtual Travel Retail Expo can do for your company, and for details of our dedicated support packages, contact Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com or Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

UAE/INTERNATIONAL. Two senior travel retail executives, one each from Aer Rianta International (ARI) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, are in with a chance to win US$1 million or a luxury car following the latest Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo prize draws in association with Dubai Duty Free. Each draw is conducted through a random name generator online.

Zenola Campbell, Vice President Concessions at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has won a ticket for the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw and is now in with a chance of capturing the US$1 million prize.

Aer Rianta International Head of Business Development Category Strategy Sue Kelly goes into the Finest Surprise draw with the opportunity to win a luxury car.

All registered retailer, buyer and airport representatives go into the prize draws each week between now and the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail operation, is offering registered Virtual Travel Retail Expo visitors multiple opportunities to win grand prizes in its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws. As reported, all registered retailers, buyers and airport executives will have the chance to win a ticket for the popular draws every Friday between now and the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which begins on 12 October. Two further draws will be held during the Expo itself.

[Important note: In the event of any individual winning an ultimate grand prize, it can be donated to charity if a company policy precludes accepting individual benefits.]

To register for The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo and qualify for each prize draw, please click here.

Besides being automatically entered in the prize draws, visitors to the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets for the Dubai Duty Free prize draws

The Virtual Travel Expo has attracted a wave of support from retailers, brands and airports, with further big announcements to be made in coming days, including a world-first industry initiative.

For exhibitors, the event features a range of Virtual Stands at different price levels, each offering a high-class digital experience, complimentary Expo Guide advertising, and unrivalled visibility to the global travel retail community.

Through the power of our own media and that of other Preferred Media Partners (who will be able to showcase their digital publications in the official Press Centre) and visiting KOLs, The Moodie Davitt Report will also ensure tremendous global exposure for all exhibitor partners.

Over the past 20 years, the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion has changed the lives of 332 winners and their families. Seven lucky individual winners have won twice. The Finest Surprise Promotion is now in its 30th year, making it the longest-running duty free promotion in the world.

INTERNATIONAL. Over 100 children are set to benefit from life-changing cleft operations as the result of the inaugural Moodie Davitt Report Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.

As reported, The Moodie Davitt Report is to fund a cleft operation through the Smile Train charity for every registered exhibitor at the pioneering event.

Smile Train has supported over 1.5 million cleft surgeries since 1999. Every five minutes Smile Train-supported cleft treatment helps a child in need. Some 200,000 babies are born every year with cleft lips and/or palates. US$250 funds the cost of the 45-minute cleft surgery that transforms the life of a child – and that of his or her family.

Imperial Brands & Team Blue latest partners to go virtual Imperial Brands Global Duty Free & Export said the team is looking forward to meeting trade partners and connecting with the industry at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo. Imperial said: “In times of crisis, we need innovation and unity to find solutions for challenges that we have never faced before. Imperial believes in the power of working together, which is why ‘Together as One’ is a guiding principle for our duty free business. Imperial looks forward to meeting trade partners and connect with industry at the first Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo and to discuss the road to recovery and the role our tobacco brands play.” Industry consultancy Team Blue, another recent addition to the exhibitor line-up, said: “Team Blue is very excited and pleased to be participating in the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. We see terrific opportunity for our brand partners to broaden their distribution, to ‘virtually’ meet new global partners, reconnect with existing ones, to experience and learn at their own pace, and to have access to an unprecedented amount of information. “That an event of this size and scope can spearhead the resurgence and renaissance of one of the world’s truly global industries – travel retail – is an added bonus.”

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has so far attracted almost 80 exhibitors (several more are being announced this week) representing hundreds of brands. Numerous other agreements are close to finalisation and some major announcements will be made in coming days, including a world-first in travel retail.

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “We have worked with Smile Train many times over the years and consider it to be one of the most world’s most impactful, efficient and transparent charities. I know from visiting numerous Smile Train clinics that the transformation of a child’s life through cleft surgery is a wonder to behold. Thanks to the outstanding support of our many exhibitor partners, we are glad to be assisting Smile Train’s efforts.”

For all exhibition enquiries, please contact Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com. Registration is free to airport and retailer executives. Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail operation, is offering registered retailers and airport executives the chance to win a ticket in its popular Millennium Millionaire (US$1 million) and Finest Surprise (luxury car) draws every Friday between now and the Expo. Two further draws will be held during the event. Click here to register and be in Friday’s draw.

Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin presents a cheque for US$1.5 to Smile Train after the Miles for Smiles fun run organised by The Moodie Davitt Report in 2008

Images from Martin Moodie’s visit to the Smile Train-funded cleft surgery ward at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad in 2007

Underlining the Virtual Travel Retail Expo’s CSR and eco-friendly credentials (no travel involved, no shipping, no stand construction etc), The Moodie Davitt Report will also be making a substantial donation to The Trinity Forest Project – a tree-planting initiative we unveiled at The Trinity Forum in Doha last October.

One visitor = one tree. That is the simple formula being adopted by the event, an initiative announced to mark World Environment Day on 5 June.

The Trinity Forest Project, soft launched at The Trinity Forum in Doha last year, is powered by One Tree Planted, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation

The social contribution doesn’t stop there.  FILTR, our partner in curating the Virtual Expo, has pledged to donate 5% of all design fees from the event to ImpactHK – the 2020 nominated charity of Women in Travel Retail (WiTR). ImpactHK supports the homeless in Hong Kong with a particular focus on women and the aged. Women on the streets, as in many other cities, are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to abuse and attack.

INTERNATIONAL. Two more senior travel retail executives are in with an opportunity to win US$1 million or a luxury car following the latest Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo prize draws in association with Dubai Duty Free.

Lana Yang, General Manager at Shenzhen Duty Free Group, has won a ticket for the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, and stands a chance of winning the ultimate prize of US $1 million.

Dufry Commercial Director (and ETRC President) Nigel Keal goes into the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise draw and is in with a chance to win a luxury car. Both draws were conducted using a random online name generator.

[Important note: In the event of any individual winning an ultimate grand prize, it can be donated to charity if a company policy precludes accepting individual benefits.]

To register for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo and qualify for each prize draw, please click here.

Retailer, buyer and airport representatives can register for free for a chance to join other ticket winners in the Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws

Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business is offering registered Expo visitors multiple opportunities to win grand prizes in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws. As reported, all registered retailers, buyers and airport executives will have the chance to win a ticket for the two immensely popular draws every Friday between now and the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which begins on 12 October. Two further draws will be held during the Expo itself.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo offers tremendous exposure for exhibitors to a blue-chip audience of retailers and airports

The Virtual Travel Expo has attracted strong support from retailers, brands and airports, with more big announcements to follow.

For exhibitors, the event features a range of Virtual Stands at different price levels, each offering a high-class digital experience, complimentary Expo Guide advertising, and unrivalled visibility to the global travel retail community at a time needed most.

Through the power of our own media and that of other Preferred Media Partners (who will be able to showcase their digital publications in the official Press Centre) and visiting KOLs, The Moodie Davitt Report will also ensure tremendous global exposure for all exhibitor partners.

Over the past 20 years, the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion has changed the lives of 332 winners and their families. Seven lucky individual winners have won twice. The Finest Surprise Promotion is now in its 30th year, making it the longest-running duty free promotion in the world.

CHINA. Popular Chinese WeChat consumer platform Globuy has become a Preferred Media Partner for the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October, highlighting the event – and the exhibitors – to its 700,000 followers.

Globuy will be publicising the Expo extensively during the run-up to the event and then providing real-time coverage from the Exhibition Hub in October. Globuy will visit exhibitors and report on their initiatives via the WeChat platform. The media partnership builds on a strong existing alliance, which sees a selection of our stories with key Moodie Davitt brand partners appear on Globuy’s weekly Duty Free News Flash column.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which takes place from 12-16 October, has attracted tremendous support from retailers, brands and airports, becoming the defining travel retail event of the year and generating great positivity during a time the industry needs it most. Registration is free for exhibitors, retailers/buyers and airports. For inquiries about registration or exhibiting please contact Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

Globuy’s participation underlines a very strong Chinese presence at the show. China’s leading travel retailer China Duty Free Group is a Diamond Partner at the Expo and President Charles Chen a keynote speaker in a powerful Knowledge Hub line-up. Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development & Hainan Expo are joint Platinum Partners, and long-established downtown duty free retailer CNSC is sending its management and buying team to the event. They will also be joined in attending by powerful Beijing-based department store operator Wangfujing Group, which was recently granted a licence to sell duty free goods by the Ministry of Finance.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has attracted a stellar list of brand partners who will be visited by retailers from all around the globe

Globuy traffic has doubled year-on-year during the first half of 2020, with the platform now enjoying just under 750,000 followers and generating over 8 million WeChat views in the first half.

Globuy recently opened official video accounts on TikTok and WeChat, allowing more creative and compelling content to be shown in the near future.

Kan Cong has built his social media platform, which now embraces Globuy and TripurX, to a position of major influence with Chinese consumers and travel retailers alike

Globuy is soon beginning an ambitious live streaming project, broadcast on omni-platforms, for example on sister company’s fast-growing TripurX WeChat mini program, RED and TikTok. The live streaming platform (increasingly popular in China) will feature a range of duty free products, including a constant focus on skincare and makeup knowhow. It will also offer tips about shopping in duty free, online and offline.

Globuy Highlights

Globuy enjoys a huge and growing following across China, predominantly among females

Globuy said: “Even though the recovery of outbound tourism will not be easy this year, we have never slowed down in creating useful content and always bringing latest news about the travel retail industry to our followers. We have worked hard to attract more Chinese consumers who are interested in duty free shopping and those who want to know more about the beauty, fashion and other categories.”

Globuy’s team plans an extensive visit to the offshore duty free shops in Hainan province during coming months. “Due to Hainan’s extended offshore duty free shopping policy, it must become the hottest travel destination to Chinese citizens this year, and a rare place where customers can purchase duty free goods.”

Globuy Founder Kan (Arthur) Cong said: “We plan to devote extensive coverage to the Virtual Travel Retail Expo and to the many great brands who are exhibiting – bringing the event to our huge Chinese consumer base.”

The Trinity Institute will house the defining travel retail event of 2020

INTERNATIONAL. The pioneering Virtual Travel Retail Expo, created by The Moodie Davitt Report, today unveils its latest design refinements, and further additions to a stellar line-up of exhibitors.

The Moodie Davitt Report’s design, digital and account management partner in the event, FILTR, has underlined the Expo’s premium status with a series of stunning new renderings, including the exterior of the venue, The Trinity Institute.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which takes place from 12-16 October, has attracted tremendous support from retailers, brands and airports. Registration is free for exhibitors, retailers/buyers and airports. For inquiries about exhibiting please contact Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “A top-class exhibition requires top-class brands and retailers. Thanks to the extraordinary commitment and creativity of our many brand partners, the Virtual Travel Retail Expo has taken on an amazing sense of energy and innovation at a time our channel needs it most.

“Our partners FILTR have done a superb job in creating a premium, easily navigable environment that will house an event unlike anything travel retail has seen before. In coming days we will be making a series of further announcements that will underline the industry’s commitment to the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, including a world first for our channel.

“We and our many brand partners look forward to welcoming retailers and airport managers from all around the world in this amazing virtual space come 12 October.”

Stay tuned says Foreo

Swedish beauty-tech company Foreo and global travel retail support services specialist One Red Kite today became the latest Gold Partners at the Expo.

“Innovation is in Foreo’s DNA, so we are delighted to be participating in an event as ground-breaking as the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where we plan to make a powerful and vibrant statement about our commitment to the travel retail channel,” said Foreo Global Travel Director Gary Leong.

“With times being as unpredictable as they are now, we applaud Moodie Davitt for embracing the ‘new normal’ and incorporating an inventive solution to cater to the travel retail segment. Keeping up with the times is the only solution to maintain relevance in any field, and going digital is definitely the path to proceed on.

“We can also promise all our travel retail partners around the globe something very exciting to look forward to at the Expo – all will be revealed soon. Stay tuned!”

In May, Swedish beauty technology company Foreo introduced its first IPL (intense pulse light) device called ‘Peach’ to Korean travel retail, in partnership with Hyundai Duty Free. Now the company is promising another innovation, to be revealed at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

One Red Kite takes virtual flight

One Red Kite Founder & Managing Director Kevin Brocklebank said: “At One Red Kite, we play a vital role supporting global brands within the travel retail industry and we are delighted to be supporting the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. This event is such an innovative way to enable us to showcase our services and demonstrate how we have set the standard for industry best practices.

“Whilst the current climate is still a difficult time for our industry, Martin and the team’s enthusiasm and drive for travel retail to triumph through adversity has led to this fantastic platform and we are thrilled to be involved.”

Red Kite is a global travel retail specialist that offers support services to global clients, including data management, recruitment & retail excellence.

Retailers and airport executives: Attendance is free for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo. But you must register. Click here to do so and to be in a weekly chance of winning US$1 million or a luxury car courtesy of our Platinum Partner Dubai Duty Free

UAE. Two more travel retail executives are a step closer to winning US$1 million or a luxury car after the latest Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo prize draws this morning, in association with Dubai Duty Free.

As reported, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business is offering registered Expo visitors multiple chances to win these grand prizes in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws. Every Friday between now and the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which begins on 12 October, all registered retailers, buyers and airport executives will have the chance to win a ticket for the two hugely-popular draws. Two further draws will be held during the Expo itself.

All registered retailer, buyer and airport representatives go into the prize draws each week between now and the Expo

This week’s ticket winner for the Millennium Millionaire draw, and in with a chance of winning the ultimate prize of US$1 million, is Allegheny County Airport Authority Revenue Operations Specialist Tony Sheffo.

Meanwhile, Kaner Duty Free Category Specialist Umut Oztumen goes into the Finest Surprise draw with the opportunity to win a luxury car.

As reported, winners last week were buyers from RegStaer and KrisShop.

Each draw is conducted through a random name generator online.

[Important note: In the event of any individual winning an ultimate grand prize, it can be donated to charity if a company policy precludes accepting individual benefits.]

To register for The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo and qualify for each prize draw, please click here.

Over the past 20 years, the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion has changed the lives of 332 winners and their families. Seven lucky individual winners have won twice. The Finest Surprise Promotion is now in its 30th year, making it the longest-running duty free promotion in the world.

The Expo has attracted tremendous support from retailers, brands and airports with further major announcements to be made in the coming days. For exhibitors, the event features a range of Virtual Stands at different price levels, each offering a high-class digital experience, complimentary Expo Guide advertising, and unrivalled visibility to the global travel retail community.

Through the power of our own media and that of other Preferred Media Partners (who will be able to showcase their digital publications in the official Press Centre) and visiting KOLs, The Moodie Davitt Report will also ensure tremendous global exposure for all exhibitor partners.

CHINA. Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development & Hainan Expo have become joint Platinum Partners of the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development is the body charged with the exciting creation of the Hainan Free Trade Port. As reported, the Chinese central government released the Master Plan for the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port in early June.

The bureau is also organising the China International Consumer Products Expo (Hainan Expo) to be held in March 2021 (final dates to be confirmed), which The Moodie Davitt Report will be attending and providing extensive global coverage.

The Expo will affirm Hainan’s ambitions to become an International Tourism and Consumption Center. Chinese authorities this month released a master plan to boost the building of the Hainan Free Trade Port, auguring a wave of investment opportunities for international enterprises – including high-end duty free, department store and luxury retailers.

As part of that long-term plan, Hainan’s hugely successful offshore duty free shopping policy was extended yesterday, 1 July. Highlights included the number of duty free categories being increased from 38 to 45; the annual allowance increased from RMB30,000 (US$4,215) to RMB100,000 (US$14,050); and the limit of RMB8,000 (US$1,129) for a single tax-free purchase removed. The new categories include liquor, watches, phones (four pieces per person per visit), computers and fashion.

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo has generated high-level support from China, including Diamond Partner China Duty Free Group and now Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development & Hainan Expo.

The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie talked online yesterday with Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development management. From left are Ruslan Tulenov, Supervisor of Information and Media Relations Division; Gong Qijun Vice Director General; and Mina Li, Director of Exhibition Division