MEADFA gives update on upcoming conference and sustainability charter

The MEADFA Board at a recent press conference highlighted the importance of collective action within the Duty Free and Travel Retail (DF&TR) industry, particularly in defending against claims of its contribution to illicit tobacco trade. The conference, held at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, saw double the pre-registration numbers compared to previous years, with a total of 336 attendees. Sherif Toulan, President of MEADFA, expressed optimism for the industry despite geopolitical challenges, noting increased travel demand in key hubs like Doha and Dubai. Toulan emphasized the need for robust advocacy to counter false claims of the industry s involvement in illicit trade, with the MEADFA Advocacy Working Group playing a crucial role. Rob Marriott, CEO of ARIME, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of intelligence and cross-category collaboration. Munif Mohammed, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Saudi Arabia, announced the development of a sustainability charter by MEADFA. The charter aims to define the industry s position on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, with a focus on promoting sustainable products. The majority of the industry s carbon footprint comes from the products sold, and the charter will set qualifying standards for manufacturers and retailers to promote more sustainable products. In summary, the MEADFA Board s press conference underscored the industry s commitment to collective action, advocacy, and sustainability. The conference s record attendance and the announcement of a new sustainability charter demonstrate the industry s dedication to addressing challenges and promoting responsible practices. <|end|>

Source: trbusiness.com
Published on 2024-10-07