Today the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) held its first virtual event outlining how travel retail in the Middle East and Africa is fighting against the impact of COVID-19. Over 150 participants from across the world joined the event.

The Duty Free World Council Academy (DFWCA) has created a training course which will provide industry front line sales staff with guidelines on how they can ensure their safety and that of their customers as duty and tax-free  stores re-open around the world.

At its meeting earlier this month, the Board of the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association decided to cancel the 2020 MEADFA Conference. The event, set to take place on 23-24 November in Dubai, will not be held this year given the severe economic impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the global travel retail industry, as well as ongoing uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions.

MEADFA board has decided to use its full advocacy capacities to engage with governments in Africa and the Middle East.

MEADFA - the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association, has announced it will increase its advocacy and engagement capabilities with the creation of its Advocacy Working Group (AWG). The AWG will be developing a cross category advocacy approach, representing the entire duty free and travel retail industry, delivering a combined voice. The AWG aims to promote awareness of the industry with key regulators and policy makers to ensure the future of this unique industry.