Israeli travel retailer Layam has signed a two-year contract to run duty free shops on Mano Maritime Cruises’ Crown Iris vessel.

The new contract with the Israeli cruise operator begins in March 2021 and Layam will run three shops on board spanning 600sq m in total. Outlets will offer perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, wines, chocolate and confectionery, electronics, toys and gadgets.

Crown Iris has capacity for 1,850 passengers and will sail from the port of Haifa to Mediterranean destinations including Greece, Cyprus and Italy. Guests can choose from five restaurants and a number of stateroom categories including balcony suites.

VAST KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Acquired from the Louis Group in 2018 the ship, which serves a mix of Israeli passengers made its debut for Mano last year.

Founded in 1936, Layam runs seaport duty free shops in Haifa and Ashdod and also operates stores at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport.

The seaport outlets remained open during the pandemic as they were deemed essential by the Israeli government.

Shay Tangi, CEO, Layam told TRBusiness: “We were awarded the contract because of our knowledge and experience. Layam has been in the duty free business for more than 80 years and works directly with all the top international brands.

“We are also an expert in retail and the agreement suits all parties.”

On the importance of the cruise sector to Layam’s DF&TR strategy Tangi said: “Every segment is important for Layam. To run the [Mano] operation in the Haifa port is very important since our logistics center is located there.

“We also run the Haifa seaport duty free shop, which will allow us to offer customers great service and a vast selection.”