Tunisia to highlight exciting Duty Free Developments at Dubai Expo

Privatisation of duty free sales in Tunisia is to be highlighted at the first ever Middle East Exclusive duty free exhibition being held in Dubai this December.

A Tunisian delegation which will attend the show will be led by Tarek Hamila, owner of the country's concessionaire Hamila Duty Free. Hamila, which is celebrating it's 20th anniversary, runs duty free shops on land, in the air and at sea.

Cross-Mediterranean ferries running between Tunis and Marseille in the South of France and Genoa in southern Italy have Hamila duty free shops on board.

Hamila has also recently signed a five year contract to operate in-flight duty free sales aboard the six aircraft fleet of Tunisian charter company Nouvelair. Flag carrier Tunisair is also privatising its on-board duty free sales and Hamila is bidding for that five year contract too.

And a $500,000 refurbishment of Hamila's diplomatic duty free shop is also underway in Tunis where foreign government representatives can stock up on cut price luxuries.

"It's an exciting time for our company with lots of new development in our business where privatisation is the key. Our president is looking forward to coming to Dubai and delivering a presentation on the developments in our country and hearing what's happening elsewhere too," said Hamila spokeswoman Ghofrane Zitouni. "Seeking out new and innovative product lines will also be a high priority for us."

More than 100 exhibitors responsible for internationally recognized names, to small and highly exclusive brands, will be at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 1-3 to tap into the ever growing Middle East Duty Free and Luxury Goods market. The region's Duty Free sales alone are expected to double by 2010, according to recent reports from Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA).

To date, exhibitors from Europe the Far East, the Indian Sub-continent,  Russia, the USA and the Middle East have contracted for Middle East Exclusive, which is organised by Channels Exhibitions.

Middle East Exclusive is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh  Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Group. The show is supported by Dubai Duty Free and the Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA).

Associated with Middle East Exclusive is a duty free conference organised by MEDFA for December 3 and 4 and the invitational Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup.