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Courtesy
of Qatar Airways
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Qatar Duty Free, Doha International
Airport.
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Since the new Qatar Duty Free (QDF) shops opened
in July 2001, at Doha International Airport, passengers
have been finding a world of shopping pleasure.
There is something for everyone, including the latest
fragrances from Paris and New York, the finest whiskies
and wines from Scotland and France, the latest technology
in digital cameras and cellular phones, and even
fine gold and jewelry for every taste and budget.
"We have the fastest growing duty free in
the world with over 100 percent growth in the past
year alone," said Krishna Kumari, Assistant
General Manager of QDF. "We have a better product
range and a nice luxury watch collection,"
she said. In fact, QDF offers an amazing range of
over 15,000 different products.
Along with a great selection to choose from, QDF
runs regular luxury car draws with a limited number
of tickets available. The finest models are given
away from auto makers BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and
Maserati. Additionally, QDF offers the popular Millionaire
Cash Craw with a chance for the lucky traveler to
win one million Qatari riyal (approximately USD
$333,000).
QDF really caters to the traveler and has implemented
many passenger-friendly initiatives. For example,
those travelers who know they will be short of time
catching a flight can place their duty free orders
in advance. The goods will be waiting for collection
prior to boarding at QDF’s customer service
desk.
"We have a good marketing strategy that we’re
following. We need to create more of a shopping
mall concept for travelers to have an even better
shopping experience and continuing to do that,"
said Ms. Kumari. "We have a niche market in
Qatar. Our travelers are more sophisticated and
affluent and our product range has to reflect that,"
she said.
At last year’s Middle East North Africa (MENA)
travel awards ceremony, QDF was recognized for running
the best duty free operation in the Middle East
and North Africa. That’s quite an accomplishment
considering the competition in the region. Ms. Kumari
noted, "For Qatar Duty Free to be recognized
in that fashion was a very pleasant surprise. The
award was not based on the decision of a panel of
judges, but rather on the votes of actual travelers
and it was audited by Price Coopers. This award
is more prestigious than the panel-based awards
because your customers are the ones that chose you."
With a true feel for the needs and preferences
of travelers passing through Qatar and the broader
area, QDF was designed, constructed and implemented
by a specialist company from the Middle East. Furthermore,
QDF pays particularly close attention to the quality
of their customer service, as staff is trained to
look after a traveler’s every need. QDF currently
has a staff of over 100 drawn from around 14 different
nationalities, and can converse with customers in
a variety of languages. Staff is trained both in-house
and by the product suppliers, ensuring proficiency
in product knowledge.
Looking at the future, Ms. Kumari is anxiously
awaiting the completion of the New Doha International
Airport (NDIA). "Qatar Duty Free is going to
have a big presence in the new airport. It will
be big retail, a total shopping experience. We’re
looking forward to it because it will be a showcase
for Qatar Duty Free." Considering the accolades
QDF has already received, their larger location
in the NDIA should set new standards within the
ranks of international duty free.
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Qatar
