Hyderabad International Airport Ltd reports that its in-house 100%-owned GMR-owned Hyderabad Duty Free operation has ‘grown from strength to strength’ at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), recording an annual average growth rate of 25% since it took the business back in house in 2010.

 

Murikenchery Subhash, Business Head – Hyderabad Duty Free Limited told TRBusiness recently: “By harnessing our collective experiences and passion for what we do, we have achieved far reaching success.”

 

 

He said the operation launched its quarterly print magazine called ‘Deals Galore’ earlier this year and its website is poised to establish a social media presence (www.hyderabaddutyfree.com).

 

It is also planning the launch of its ‘new and exciting’ mobile application in the current financial year to further strengthen its digital platform, along with a ‘Loyalty Programme’ for its regular customers. Subhash says a revamped retail store will also improve the shopping experience still further for Hyderabad’s customers.

 

He added: “A unique feature that sets us apart from other duty free stores in India is our exclusive ‘Discount on Arrival’ facility. By collecting discount coupons in the Departures store the customers can avail 15% discount upon arrival at the HDF outlet, by producing valid coupons.

 

 

“We also conduct a series of on-going draws with prizes ranging from exciting new cars to motorbikes and gold vouchers.”

 

The airport today has an annual customer base of some 2.5m passengers with the duty free arm spread across 1,200sq m at both arrival and departures.

 

Subhash says it tries to offer ‘a delightful shopping experience for international passengers with fabulous deals, exciting promotions and the best prices’ – in pursuit of its aim to become ‘the best travel retailer in India’ by providing unmatched customer service and the best value for money.

 

 

As the capital city of the southern Indian state of Telangana, Subhash says Hyderabad is one of the fastest developing cities in India and the fourth most populous.

 

He concludes it is also a cosmopolitan hub for the IT industry and this offers ‘great potential for the premium/luxury market that remains untapped – especially in the travel retail segment’.

 

[Background: It was in June 2010 that GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) told TRBusiness.com it was taking its duty free operation back in house at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. This followed the departure of its previous joint venture operator, The Nuance Group (India) and Shoppers Stop on May 31, 2010. For details, click here: http://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/indian-sub-cont/hyderabad-goes-it-alone/73225].