At the second edition of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, Dubai Duty Free (DDF) won multiple awards in two different awards ceremonies that took place online on the final day of the virtual expo on 15th October.
Organised by The Moodie Davitt Report Dubai Duty Free received four (4) awards in the Middle East & Africa category for the inaugural Travel Retail Superstars Awards, while it received two (2) awards in the eight edition of The Moodies Travel Journey Digital Awards.
The Travel Retail Superstars Awards, which shone a spotlight on frontline and behind- the-scenes heroes and heroines who have helped kept the industry going during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dubai Duty Free was awarded with the “Star Team – Shopfloor” for DDF Brand Ambassadors for Pernod Ricard, “Star Team – Back Office” for Operations and HR Team, “Star Individual – Shop Floor” for Sales Assistant, Ali Attia Ali Elsayed and “Innovation – Back Office” for IT Team for Home Delivery Specials service.
Meanwhile, at The Moodies Travel Journey Digital Awards, which highlight campaigns and best social and digital media practices during the global pandemic, the retailer was awarded with the “Best Use of Social Platforms” for DDF pandemic response and the “Best Creativity and Innovation during Covid-19” for DDF Home Delivery Specials service.
Commenting on these awards, Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin said, ‘We are thrilled that our efforts have been recognised through these two awards programmes held during the Virtual Travel Retail Expo. It’s a testament of our commitment to our employees, customers and retail partners in adapting our business despite the enormous challenges brought on by the pandemic, which included the launch of our Home Delivery Service and our continues effort to engage and serve our customers be it in store, online or through social media platforms. I would like to thank the panel of judges who voted for Dubai Duty Free in these two award categories.”
The group of dedicated DDF brand ambassadors for Pernod Ricard was awarded for demonstrating an incredible level of discipline and grit, wresting control of the unprecedented situation of the Pandemic and transforming it to an opportunity for self-improvement. The DDF Operations and Human Resources Team were recognized for being at the centre of DDF’s rapid response to the COVID-19 crisis by keeping the workforce safe, engaged, productive and resilient. Meanwhile, DDF Sales Assistant, Ali Attia Ali Elsayed was awarded for his extraordinary customer service skill and exemplary records making him as one of DDF’s finest employees while the DDF Home Delivery Specials service was awarded for giving the experience and confidence needed to set up and operate a totally new revenue stream as an airport retailer.
The “Best Use of Social Platforms” was awarded to Dubai Duty Free for its social media messaging which focused on nurturing the community as opposed to any hard sell through its Travel from Home series which helped foster engagement and stronger association with customers and travellers in general. Lastly, the “Best Creativity and Innovation during Covid-19” was awarded to DDF Home Delivery Specials service which formed a part of the retailer’s commitment to its customers to ensure they can enjoy its great range of products while staying safe at home.
The Virtual Travel Retail Expo which took place from 11th – 15th October .is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium designed to both mirror and enhance a real conference and exhibition which was launched last year, has already established itself as the largest virtual event in the global travel retail calendar, and the 2021 edition has set it to the next level with even bigger and better offering.
