INTERNATIONAL. Leading maritime travel retailers Harding Retail and Starboard Cruise Services have joined the exhibitor line-up for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, boosting the presence and profile of the cruise sector at an important time for the channel.

They will take their place alongside over 120 other partners across a range of categories and channels at the pioneering event next month (12-16 October).

Anticipation is building ahead of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, with the recovery of the cruise sector an important theme, and with the two leading global cruise concessionaires taking exhibition space

Harding Managing Director James Prescott (left) said: “We’re thrilled and excited to be part of the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. We’ve all been too long locked away licking our wounds, so this chance to come back out into the light and engage as an industry is absolutely fantastic.

“The opportunity to show and share what we’ve been up to, and talk about the wider cruise sector is incredibly welcome. We’ll be using the platform to raise awareness about cruise as a whole and also see it as an ideal medium to thank our partners for their continued support.

“What you will see from Harding in the coming weeks will be very exciting and a real surprise. I’d like to thank Martin, Dermot, and the wider Moodie Davitt Report team and their partners for enabling us to take part.”

Starboard Cruise Services Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Kauffman (right) said: “We’re looking forward to participating in the Moodie Davitt virtual trade show as an exhibitor. Our two companies, Starboard Cruise Services and Onboard Media, will have the opportunity to introduce our strengths and capabilities to a global audience of potential partners and customers with the innovative and high production quality digital showcase concept.”

The profile of the cruise sector will be further boosted by a special session at the Virtual Expo Knowledge Hub dedicated to the recovery of the channel. It will take place on 13 October and will feature James Prescott, alongside Starboard CEO Lisa Bauer and MSC Cruises Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway.

Click here for more on that session, the Knowledge Hub and the wider event.

INTERNATIONAL. As excitement builds around the upcoming inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo (12-16 October), UK-based independent Out of Home specialist The Talon Group and its international division Plexus are offering a remarkable US$250,000 free airport media space to one business partner that visits its Expo booth.

In addition, the client will benefit from free creative services from Talon’s specialist digital OOH creative agency Grand Visual.

#sendinglove: Talon Group underlined the power of OOH messaging in Times Square, New York, during the pandemic

The company – which will take its place in the Omnichannel/Travel Retail Services hall in the Exhibition Hub – is hosting partners and showing its flagship presentation ‘Effectively engaging with the connected traveller during the new consumer journey’.

The opportunity to win the services will be open to any company that believes it would benefit from a multi-market airport campaign. Potential winners can visit the booth and answer some questions based on the group’s presentation, to be entered into a draw.

Eye-catching campaigns for Oakley and Estée Lauder in the travel space; Talon and its Plexus international division will be promoting their services at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

Managing Partner Adrian Skelton said: “The huge amount of customer data available combined with the amazing digital OOH assets at airports means there hasn’t been a better time to be smarter in how you engage consumers. Through smarter media planning and creativity we are able to say the right thing, at the right time, to the right people. The importance of this approach will be our main focus at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.”

*For a full interview and a profile of The Talon Group, see the latest edition of The Sight Lines eZine, which appeared last week.

Specialist drinks company Duty Free Global (DFG) has been appointed to represent Indian cream liqueur brand House of Somrus in global travel retail. Duty Free Global will be introducing the brand at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October, where it will be exhibiting in #Virtual Stand WS-P1.

House of Somrus offers a range of Indian-inspired cream liqueurs. These are made with dairy cream and five-times distilled hand-crafted rum. Its range is low ABV,  preservative-free, gluten-free and is made with no artificial flavours.

The House of Somrus portfolio is comprised of the Coffee, Mango and Kulfi flavours. Coffee was inspired by ‘Kaapi,’ a popular filter coffee in South India. It is made with an artisanal blend of Arabica coffee and roasted chicory.

Mango takes inspiration from the Mango Lassi and the Indian Aamrus milkshake. It is crafted with a blend of fresh Alphonso mangoes, dairy cream and rum. Kulfi was based on popular Indian desserts from Kulfi and Ras Malai and offers a flavourful mixture of Eastern spices and nuts.

Somrus, which means ‘Nectar of the Gods’ in Sanskrit, is one of the world’s fastest-growing cream liqueur brands

“We’re thrilled to be representing The House of Somrus in the GTR channel – Somrus is an exciting, highly awarded brand with a super-premium look, which introduces the unique flavours of India in a delicious cream liqueur to worldwide consumers,” said Duty Free Global Founder & Commercial Director Barry Geoghegan.

“This is one of the most innovative new launches in this category almost since this category was invented in 1974,” Geoghegan added. “We are confident that our travel retail operator partners will be delighted to list and promote this superb range of product as it will appeal to a large group of passengers.

“The newest expression, Somrus Coffee, is packaged in a stunning rose gold bottle has been extremely well-received by buyers and travel retail operators. Along with the addition of a specialty Value Added Pack set that features the Coffee (750ml) with cocktail recipes, plus two 50mls bottles of the other flavours. We are both excited and eager to share more about the brand with our network at The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.”

The Indian cream-liqueur brand is “one of the most innovative new launches in this category,” says DFG

The House of Somrus Director of Global Business Guy May added, “It is a privilege to be working with Barry and the DFG team on this uniquely exciting project. When I joined The House of Somrus earlier this year, it was clear that they had created a brand that is next generation and truly innovative in the category.

“Somrus’s ‘spiked rum creams’ are highly mixable with other spirits and importantly with non-alcoholic beverages — such as cold brew or coconut water — to create a lower calorie and low ABV drinking solution. The talented team at DFG are well-established to help bring our unique flavours, from a region representing a fifth of the world’s population, to the travel retail channel.”

Duty Free Global will be presenting House of Somrus at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo in #Virtual Stand WS-P1

Duty Free Global is a Platinum Partner at Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo Duty Free Global is a Platinum Partner at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. The unique 5-day live event, followed by a 30-day showcase, begins on 12 October, just after the conclusion of the Chinese Golden Week holidays. It features a star-studded series of events across the five days, including a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative. Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners (Click here to register).

INTERNATIONAL. Integrated retail marketing, communications and design agency FILTR and leading Asian communications consultancy QINRIVE have jointly developed a KOL Programme that will bring a roster of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to The Moodie Davitt Report’s inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo next month.

The programme will see influencers from across Asia, Europe, USA and Australia engage with the travel retail channel. With a collective reach of millions of consumer followers globally, the KOLs will interact and connect with brands, retailers, airports and other delegates in a pioneering consumer component of the event, taking place virtually from 12-16 October.

Leading KOL voices across travel, lifestyle and the worlds of beauty, fashion and F&B will take residence in a virtual KOL Sphere in the Experience Hub

Led by FILTR’s Communications Director James Brown, and QINRIVE CEO Ziqin (Kelly) Gao, the KOL Programme is centred around a campaign called KOL Ambassadors. The campaign helps influencers discover the latest travel retail products, services and experiences in order to inspire consumers as the world of travel recovers.

James Brown: “Virtual Travel Retail Expo exhibitors – from the biggest multi-nationals to the newest independents and start-ups – have the opportunity to reach a broad consumer audience through the KOL Programme”

Leading KOL voices across travel, lifestyle and the worlds of beauty, fashion and F&B will take residence in a virtual KOL Sphere in the Experience Hub. The KOL Ambassadors will be able to learn about the latest launches, meet with brands one-on-one and take part in product unboxing experiences remotely.

At the end of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, the Ambassadors’ top picks will be shared through their social media channels and across The Moodie Davitt Report’s B2B and social media platforms. Coverage from exhibitors will be achieved on an earned (unpaid) basis.

[The exciting KOL Ambassadors line-up will be announced in the coming days]

FILTR Communications Director James Brown commented: “Virtual Travel Retail Expo exhibitors – from the biggest multi-nationals to the newest independents and start-ups – have the opportunity to reach a broad consumer audience through the KOL Programme.

“With so many international routes still limited or on hold, we know that KOLs have not had the chance to grace travel retail stores and explore the latest product launches and novelties. Alongside QINRIVE, we have created a channel for brands to raise awareness and build demand for their products and services in travel retail for when traveller volumes return, supporting the industry in recovery.”

Ziqin (Kelly) Gao: “It is fantastic to collaborate with KOLs from across different regions and come together in a new digital sixth continent – the Virtual Travel Retail Expo”

QINRIVE ASIA Founder and CEO, Kelly Gao, commented: “Travel retail is often referred to as the Sixth Continent, so it is fantastic to collaborate with KOLs from across different regions and come together in a new digital sixth continent – the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

“Travellers from China and the broader Asian region are key to the recovery in travel retail and similarly KOLs from this part of the world are highly influential on the global stage. With hundreds of millions of loyal followers, they create and lead consumer trends, influence travel decisions and inspire consumers globally through various social media touchpoints across their travel journeys.”

Ms Gao added: “During the past three years, QINRIVE has worked closely with leading global brands to develop integrated communications campaigns to inspire consumers with experiential campaigns in travel retail through KOLs. But after the epidemic, we have had to think carefully about how to provide fresh inspiration for the future of influencer marketing.

“We are honoured to be a part of the new era of digital travel retail conferences and exhibitions led by The Moodie Davitt Report and FILTR, and we look forward to creating a truly memorable and historic KOL Ambassadors campaign at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.”

The KOL Programme is enhanced by The Moodie Davitt Report and the line-up of official Virtual Travel Retail preferred media partners (a wide range of fellow B2B titles, and China market B2B and B2C platforms), providing ongoing editorial and social media support.

Martin Moodie: Stretching the boundaries of trade shows

The creation of a dedicated KOL Sphere within the Expo’s Experience Hub and a KOL workshop hosted and managed by FILTR and QINRIVE will continue to shine the spotlight on this important, evolving and highly relevant marketing workstream. Further details to be announced soon.

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman, Martin Moodie, commented, “The Virtual Travel Retail Expo KOL Programme is hugely exciting. The power of digital is allowing us to innovate and stretch the boundaries of trade shows and redefine the landscape.

“FILTR and QINRIVE are top-class communications agencies, who The Moodie Davitt Report works with extensively, and we are delighted to be partnering with them both to bring KOLs to the Expo.”

About FILTR

FILTR is an integrated marketing, communications and design agency specialising in prestige global retail channels. Established in 2016, FILTR plans, creates and implements multi-faceted campaigns around the world for luxury, premium and lifestyle brands. FILTR’s core services are segmented into four areas: PR & Communications, Retail Design, Graphic & Digital Design and Retail Consultancy.

In August 2020, FILTR merged with integrated creative agency Qingwa to form a 55-person global agency network with operations in Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris and London.

About QINRIVE

QINRIVE ASIA is an independent agency that stirs up the digital times. It combines consultancy with holistic communications to provide a range of marketing solutions. With its headquarters in HK and offices in Shanghai and Shenzhen, QINRIVE ASIA aims to grow together with the travel retail industry and builds up the connections between east and west, inbound and outbound.

QINRIVE ASIA leads and champions the ‘New 4C Marketing’ methodology (creative-content-commerce-community) for digital communications. The agency dedicates itself to building the speciality of emotional marketing through influencers and content. QINRIVE was honoured as a top 100 agency of 2019 worldwide by MADCon.

Founder Ziqin (Kelly) Gao is a brand expert and business consultant with 15 years background of luxury and premium brand communication. She gained a Global EMBA from USC Marshall, and has served as Global Brand Director of AXENT and Marketing Head of Vertu in APAC.

 For more details regarding the KOL Programme, please contact James Brown at james@wefiltr.com

QATAR.

Submissions 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 and concepts, 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.

Finalists will be progressive revealed, along with an extensive profile of their proposition on The Moodie Davitt Report.com, from late September.

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.

Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh will judge the awards along with senior members of his team, with assistance from The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie.

Musleh said that he is delighted with the level of interest and the quality and diversity of entries.

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 a Hong Kong address.

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

INTERNATIONAL. The Duty Free World Council (DFWC) and its member organisations will take part in the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo from 12-16 October and at the TRMarketplace online event that takes place from 28 September to 2 October.

The Council will share details of its work, while each member will present the initiatives they are working on both under the DFWC umbrella and individually, with a live link to their recent regional reports.

Member organisations include the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA), Latin American duty free association ASUTIL, the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC), the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), the International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS), the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) and Tax Free World Association (TFWA).

The DFWC said it was “grateful to both organisers for making this possible”. It noted that it was “embracing the virtual model” in the absence of the platform that TFWA’s World Exhibition and Conference has traditionally provided for the Council and its regional association members to inform the industry about its advocacy work.

DFWC President Sarah Branquinho said: “We greatly appreciate the support we receive year round from all the industry trade media. We thank both The Moodie Davitt Report and TR Business for their offer to allow the Council and its members highlight the important work we have been involved in, on very many fronts, since the beginning of 2020.

“Obviously dealing with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated but there are many other initiatives impacting our industry which have also been the focus of much work this year and on which we shall communicate during both upcoming events. We look forward to a gradual return to normal for our industry and being able to communicate in more usual surroundings at all our members’ events next year.”

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo: A premium event for a premium audience

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).

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.