Q1 Duty Free Spend Outpaces Passenger Growth @ Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has reported an increase of +26.1% on its duty free sales for the first quarter of 2010.

Based on a parallel +13.8% increase in passengers, over the same period, the results clearly demonstrate a returning consumer confidence in the Abu Dhabi travel retail sector, after the recent effects of the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009.

 “We are encouraged by the first quarter results and to be 12.3% ahead of passenger growth in turnover reinforces our strategy to continue to drive penetration, conversion and spend with our retail partners,” said Chief Commercial Officer for ADAC, Huraiz Almur bin Huraiz. “Double-digit growth has been witnessed across all categories with luxury, perfume & cosmetics, liquor, gold and electronics being the star performers; exclusive launches and promotional campaigns have also contributed significantly to sales and similar activities are planned throughout 2010 to continue enhancing the retail experience and value offer for our customers.”

ADAC has forecast that 2010 will also be another record year in terms of travel retail sales with the year-end forecast of over US$160m suggested by the airports operator.

Abu Dhabi airport recently witnessed an increase in passenger traffic by 13.8% during the first quarter of 2010.

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