Passenger Positivity

Dubai International Airport welcomed nearly 67 million people in the first 9 months of 2017, a healthy rise of 5.8%, while international arrivals into Africa jumped +13.3% over the same period. The forthcoming MEADFA Conference (20-21 November at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut, Lebanon) consequently takes place against a backdrop of positive travel trends.

A vibrant, fast-expanding and increasingly mobile market of younger consumers is one of the region’s hallmarks. This is especially true of the Middle East and Levant, so the 2017 Conference programme will examine how this generation is shaping retail there as well as presenting MEAFDA-commissioned research into the behaviour and perceptions of travellers within the wider Middle East. Among the other themes addressed over the TFWA-organised two-day event are Africa’s leading brands, how that continent’s airports can better tap the potential for duty free and travel retail, and the outlook for airlines across the whole region.

This year’s Conference benefits from a speaker line-up rich in insight and experience. Delegates can expect authoritative analysis of the region’s travel and tourism trends, business and consumer currents plus inflight and airport retail prospects. Networking opportunities include the Opening Cocktail sponsored by Dufry on 19 November in the Phoenicia Hotel’s Eau de Vie Lounge, and the following night’s Gala Dinner at the MusicHall, courtesy of the Conference’s official host Beirut Duty Free.

Pre-registration for the 2017 MEADFA Conference is open online at tfwa.com until 8 November and provides access to both formal networking events plus reduced delegate fees for company groups of 4 or more people. Preferential hotel rates are available for Conference attendees and Middle East Airlines, the Conference Official Carrier, are offering special airfares.