DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the second largest Duty Free operator in the Middle East, has won the title of Travel Retailer of The Year, at the 2014 DFNI (Duty Free News International) Global Awards for Travel Retail Excellence. This is the third time that QDF has won the Travel Retailer of The Year award.

“We are delighted to receive this award for the third time, and for the second year in a row,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “It demonstrates Qatar Duty Free’s commitment to being a retail operation of the highest quality, with customer service at the heart of everything that we do.”

QDF first won this much-coveted award in 2010, and again in 2013. The award for 2014 was accepted by Keith Hunter, Senior Vice President, and Devesh Kuwadekar, Senior Manager, Qatar Duty Free. The award ceremony took place during the 19th annual DFNI Charity Ball held at the Lancaster Hotel in London.

“QDF is totally committed to providing travellers with the highest quality of service,” said Mr. Hunter. “This award is a strong acknowledgement of the trusted relationship that we have built over the past years with key international brands, and with our suppliers.

“One of the most significant achievements of Qatar Duty Free has been our ability to turn space constraints into a competitive advantage. QDF has not let the limited space at the Doha International Airport (a 2,500 square meters area of retail space) limit our ambitions and ability to innovate. On the contrary, we have delivered a steady stream of innovations, in order to constantly delight and surprise passengers.

“Qatar Duty Free will soon find a new home within Hamad International Airport (HIA), which will allow us to fully realize our vision: a holistic vision that encompasses retail and food & beverage, to create a truly seamless experience for passengers,” added Mr. Hunter.

Passengers at Hamad International Airport will be able to choose from a combination of QDF-own-branded concepts, joint ventures, and concession-based outlets that offer quality and choice to suit every pocket and palate. And as QDF is very mindful of the diversity of passengers that will be transiting through HIA, passengers will find a wide variety of products on display, covering everything from luxury watches through all the latest gadgets and best-selling products to children’s toys.

The DFNI awards provide members of the travel-retail industry with the opportunity to give their verdict on which companies are excelling in travel-retail across the globe.