In the final installment of our exclusive Global Industry Survey 2007 we asked readers if they were satisfied that the industry is well represented at national government and/or the international political level; what are the

biggest barriers they see working against the industry; and what changes in their own businesses, or business area(s) excite them most with regard to prospects for 2007? The full 42-page survey is published in the January issue of The Travel Retail Business.

ARE YOU SATISFIED THAT THE DUTY FREE AND TRAVEL RETAIL INDUSTRY IN YOUR SPHERE OF ACTIVITY IS WELL REPRESENTED AT NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND/OR THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL LEVEL, OR IS THIS NOT IMPORTANT?

Erik Juul-Mortensen, Maxxium Global Travel Retail/TFWA: Last year at this time I mentioned that I felt well represented, but that hopefully there would be no need to put this to the test in 2006!. How wrong I was!.
Events in 2006 have again shown that the industry can react quickly to changes, but also that, as in the past, it is all left to a few individuals, who, fortunately for the rest of the industry, are willing, capable, and able to get things moving. We still have a lot of homework to do to improve the overall capability of the industry to react to crisis situations such as the one we saw in August 2006.

Roberto Graziani, The Nuance Group: As previously said, the knowledge and understanding of our industry is very low within governmental organizations. To have our share of voice it is vital that travel retailers create their proper and professional lobbies and try to collaborate more closely with existing domestic retail organizations.

Antares Cheng, King Power Group (Hong Kong): We are not really satisfied that our industry is sufficiently represented at national government or international political levels due to certain constraints within the existing system and politics causing less flexibility.

Peter Eriksson, (Zurich Airport AG): We have in Switzerland achieved a good understanding of the importance of the industry in 2006, launching and getting support for arrivals duty free. It still remains to get full support for changing some legislation and getting this up and running ASAP. Increasing security restrictions are now on the table and we hope that established relations can be of help.

Christian S?ltemeyer, Fraport AG and Frankfurt Airport: It is very important to be represented on the political and governmental level in such a legally restricted business as ours. Especially the last year showed again how important the ETRC for example is.
But despite the great work from Frank O?Connell, Sarah Branquinho and others on the European level, I have a feeling that most players in our industry should invest much more effort on their national level in talking to and convincing the right people, whereas most of the industry still sits back and just watches in a relaxed manner what is happening around them. Lobbying work is very, very important for this industry and it starts locally.

John Sutcliffe, Aer Rianta International Middle East: My views are well known on this. We as an industry just can?t get our act together. We are great at setting up new bodies and associations but their impact is usually localized. What happened to the World Council?
We have a perfect platform in Tax Free World Association to represent our industry, but because of politics they have been unable to stand up to the plate. This organization is well respected and well organized, has a history, has a good administration base with top professionals, why can?t it represent the whole of our industry and pull us together?
Their slogan is ?By the Trade for the Trade? but that is a fallacy. This is supplier dominated. ?TFWA you have done a great service to our industry through the trade shows etc. but you must move on and change with the times to address the huge dangers and challenges that confront our fabulous industry. Let the rest of us in please!?

Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free: Dubai Duty Free is a division of the Department of Civil Aviation and therefore, we are very much part of the developments within the airport and the operation is a major contributor to the expansion plans at Dubai International Airport. What?s more, Dubai Duty Free is acknowledged as a major financial contributor to airport expansion and development.

Mark Riches, BAA/World Duty Free: It is extremely important as proven by events of the last months.
I think the industry has good representation run on a shoestring budget and largely thanks to the good offices of individuals within the industry who give their time to solve our problems – Frank O'Connell is an outstanding example. But what if there were no Frank?
The industry needs to put its hands in its pockets and ensure that it has funding in good times and bad times. The industry needs strong relationships and recognition at high level throughout the world. Outside the EU and the US I would suggest this is not yet the case and this needs to be addressed. However, most issues have a national or regional perspective. I don't believe a DFWC [Duty Free World Council-Ed] CEO would solve anything. Money would be better spent reinforcing staffing at regional level.

David Merriman, Manager, Time Products, UK: Well represented.

Anthony Chalhoub, Habchi & Chalhoub: Until now the government does not truly understand the core of the duty free business. They should provide more linear regulations for investors.

Gilles Vigeral, Elizabeth Arden: Not important.

Arturs Saveljevs, Riga International Airport: It is not represented at the high level.

Foster Fu, Beijing Capital International Airport: Getting better and better and more and more important.

Ray Martin, Travel Retail Training UK: We are not remotely well represented politically – compared for example to IAADFS with the US government. It's vitally important for the industry to promote itself politically if we are to survive long term.

Francisco Heredia Lafuente, London Supply SA: It?s not very important. Asutil is working to change this situation.

George Horan, Dubai Duty Free: We are a government owned organization. We are quite happy with government?s commitment to the industry.

Simon Au, Sky Connection: This is important and we definitely need to have better representation; e.g. we need a solution similar to the sealed bag arrangement in EU for Asian airports.

Frank J Zhang, China Duty Free Group: Yes. And hope to be better and better.

Colin Hargrave, BAA: More can be done.

Howard Amor, Owner, Zero Group: No, we?re not satisfied, but then we accept that the travel retail industry is fairly low priority for various governments.

Doug Benham, Brussels Airport: I feel that industry representation is currently satisfactory, but should be encouraged to develop further on an ongoing basis rather than in response to emergencies (e.g. recent security changes which showed the industry at its best).
There are going to be other key issues that will arise and the messages learnt from the recent security issue should be reflected on and actioned – consistency in response being the main one in my view.

Wim Heemskerk, Dufri International: This is very important!

Steven Candries, Guylian: I believe we are well represented by the ETRC and BTRA. They all do a good job and have proved they are able to move some serious mountains. The recent TFWE in Cannes with the speech of Mme the Minister Lagarde was a clear example how important such a person is to our industry. More of these clean and lean politicians the duty free world needs.

Theodore Gitzos, Hellenic Duty Free Shops: Not important.

Jean-Pierre Cointreau, Pages Vedrenne/Chateau Paulet: We are satisfied.

Mark McKenzie, SR2000: Only by the major airport retailers?in Australia, that?s Nuance.

David Thompson, D. G. Thompson International: No. Better contacts and communication needed.

Mahendra Thakar, Flemingo International: Not important.

Mireille Sarthou, Herve Leger Parfums: Not well represented.

Donatienne de Fontaines-Guillaume, Cosmopolitan Cosmetics: it is highly important and all the companies involved in TR , including press should be active and proactive to help ETRC;we need everyone to defend our business and not only a bunch of volunteers (always the same ones…).

Gable Merrick, Richemont/Alfred Dunhill Division: No. This is currently less important for fashion businesses. BUT any ban on certain products such as leather will severely affect our sales and a representation at a national level will help.

Peter Zottl, Swarovski: Generally, Travel Retail seems well represented and lobbied both nationally and internationally. Let's hope this can be proven in Brussels, solving the problem of liquids bought outside and transited inside EU. To confiscate liquids bought outside EU seems like a step back into the Middle Ages – it's actually worse than that!

Jeanne Osborne, Duty Free Americas: No I don't think the government has even given this a thought. They are unaware of the impact on the economy when the retail industry in duty free is affected.

Mohamed Mounib, Abu Dhabi Airport Catering & Duty Free: No. It is not presented well within our national government, but I do not see any threatening risk in the foreseeable future.

Michael Payne, IAADFS: I think it is getting better, but more proactive initiatives are needed.

Hans-Kristian H?jsgaard, Georg Jensen: No, but it's not important.

George A Sternberg, Bacardi: Representation needs to be improved; more influence is needed.

Chris Pfister, Villiger Sons Ltd: More PR should be done for arrival duty free shops.

Ylva Persson, William Grant & Sons: I think the terrorism has brought this to light better than anything. We all speak about a global business, while governments impose different rules and regulations for all the various countries. If we are to operate an efficient and smooth global channel, we certainly need stronger lobbying and sharing of information at this level. Currently I believe this is not well understood inside the political arena.

Remi Chadapaux, Scental Travel Retail: Yes and no. The trade needs to get organized more and more.

Uwe Faber-Billot, Procter & Gamble Int: I am surprised how influential the industry is vis-?-vis decision makers that need to care for much more than duty free/tax free turnover. On the long run, we need to accept that duty free/tax-free selling is not a birth right and certainly much less so than security and environmental needs of human kind.

Jorge E. Ramos, Travel Shop SA: It is important and getting better.

Nik Faeh, Police Time: Being active in the accessories business the legal aspects are not that demanding than for other product categories – of course arrival duty free operations in Switzerland could be very attractive.

Ricardo A. Maduro, Motta Intl: Satisfied.

Richard Bennett, Motta Intl: It is definitely important, especially under the current world security situation. Channels should be open for timely information exchange and cooperation, as the travel retail industry benefits all parties involved.

Roel Elizalde hktronics: No, it is not well represented and yes it is important to an extend that there is an involvement at International, national and local levels with one global understanding of the industry role and fairness for all.

Martin Rechberger, R-Trade: It's important and we are happy with the way it is.

Peter Williams, Alpha Airports Group: Yes.

Steve O' Connor, Muscat Duty Free: Yes and it's very important. Smoking issue; security issue etc.

Richard Winsor, Alpha Airports Group: Very important and well represented.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BARRIERS THAT YOU SEE WORKING AGAINST THE DUTY FREE/TRAVEL RETAIL BUSINESS IN YOUR OPINION?

Erik Juul-Mortensen, Maxxium Global Travel Retail/TFWA:New terrorist actions and the lack of agreed uniform and global security measures, which would make it possible for our industry to keep growing. In addition, increasing trade barriers threatening duty free and continued pressure on the price parameter.

John Sutcliffe, Aer Rianta International Middle East: Mainly the fact that we cannot get our act together and lack one powerful voice to deal with the massive challenges we face.

Christian S?ltemeyer, Fraport AG and Frankfurt Airport: Once again, security restrictions. Confusion of the passengers about what is allowed and what is not. Still not enough commercial space – at least in Frankfurt – but we are working on it.

Roberto Graziani, The Nuance Group: Maybe losing focus on the key strength of our industry, which is our capability to serve the flying customer with a great range of concepts and products under one (small) space of shopping excitement, fully understanding what they (the customers) want and therefore being flexible to adapt services and assortments to this particular airport or terminal audience, serviced with a highly motivated and trained staff.
Monotonous and standardized commercial offers in retail and particular F&B will put the commercial airport offers way behind the boiling domestic offer and our customers? perception of our industry will develop negatively.
With the focus on our key strength we shall also see overall external threats, such as tobacco sales restrictions and other up-coming sales limitations.

Peter Eriksson, (Zurich Airport AG): Unrealistic security restrictions and limitation of carry-on-board luggage. ‘Perception is reality’ – should travellers (e.g. consumers) continue to be punished whilst shopping at airports, they may get fed up and in the future ‘only’ travel.

Antares Cheng, King Power Group (Hong Kong): As we see it, some of the bigger barriers working against duty free/travel retail business are:

(1). The increasingly dangerous political instability prevailing in the world, further increased by all sorts of misguided self-glorifying zealots of all sorts leading to, among other consequences, unnecessary mistrust and suspicion amongst fellow human beings. This results in an increasing fear to travel internationally. With decreased cross-border traffic there can be no meaningful duty free business;

(2). the ‘security factor’ and the trend towards more of the same in its name;

(3). the accelerating trend of airport owners towards over optimistic revenue contribution expectations from non-aeronautical sources i.e. mainly duty free retailers;

(4). inexperienced publicly-listed companies etc. whose management feel the need to further gainfully employ themselves at other peoples expense by over-bidding, just to secure a new high-profile business activity.

(5). especially in fashion, the unhealthy trend towards further consolidation of brands into fewer owners, resulting in supplier cartels and/or monopolies with serious adverse consequences for both consumers and non affiliated retailers – especially in those countries and/or jurisdictions (mainly Asia) where anti-monopoly and/or trade restrictive practices legislation either does not exist or is weak.

Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free: Lack of clarity and communication on security issues is one, but hopefully that will be resolved in 2007.
Secondly, it is important that we don?t become complacent as an industry and remember that our customers are still looking for quality of merchandise, range of products, first-class service, value for money and a unique shopping experience.
Lastly, our Suppliers must continue to work with operators to ensure unique and innovative airport retail offers.

Anthony Chalhoub, Habchi & Chalhoub: Government regulations; stringent security measures; local market's violation of retail pricing policy; WHO interference in this industry.

Gilles Vigeral, Elizabeth Arden: Consolidation of retailers;bidding wars.

Arturs Saveljevs, Riga International Airport: All kind of restrictions and regulations that affect the industry.

Foster Fu, Beijing Capital International Airport: Complicated procedures and high service charges for importing.

George Horan, Dubai Duty Free: The high level of security at airports impeding the flow of passengers, and the non-competitiveness of the offer at many airports is damaging the industry.

Francisco Heredia Lafuente, London Supply SA: The concentration of suppliers and operators.

Colin Hargrave, BAA: Further security problems.

Frank J Zhang, China Duty Free Group: Economic and political stability; heavy burden of overbidding.

Howard Amor, Owner, Zero Group: (1) The fact that it?s no longer duty free in Europe and retailers have to compete with the internet and domestic markets, who work on substantially lower profit margins; (2) Too much merchandise (too many skus) in airports, so consumers become confused and end-up buying nothing.

Doug Benham, Brussels Airport: (1). Even tighter security (liquids?); (2). WHO actions that could affect liquor and tobacco; (3) lack of consistency within the industry in responding to issues; (4). airport operations and the efficient processing of passengers and the impact on quality dwell times.

Ray Martin, Travel Retail Training UK: The do-gooders that want to ban everything. These people have the government's ear and that is exactly why we need a strong political voice.

Simon Au, Sky Connection: Irrational government policies and quota and high air fares.

Wim Heemskerk, Dufri International: Every day we see that the safety rules are getting more involved in our airport business. This is no good. People need to feel free if they are to do their shopping at airports. More restrictions will not help to develop the business.

David Merriman, Manager, Time Products, UK: Threat of terrorism.

Steven Candries, Guylian: The inroads of cheap products that are then sold as image brands, because they are not available the year round… but only during the festive season…without any backing. This is too easy.

Theodore Gitzos, Hellenic Duty Free Shops: Security measures and increased concession fees.

Jean-Pierre Cointreau, Pages Vedrenne/Chateau Paulet: The growing state regulations which differ between areas.

Mark McKenzie, SR2000: The need to meet aggressive pricing competition when airport rent components are so high.

David Thompson, D. G. Thompson International: Terrorism and lack of airport authorities to react quickly and uniformly.

Mahendra Thakar, Flemingo International: The premises owners getting greedier by the day.

Mireille Sarthou, Herve Leger Parfums: Low cost promotions and prices will dilute the quality concept of goods.

Donatienne de Fontaines-Guillaume, Cosmopolitan Cosmetics: TR is not strategic for our governments and probably because we have not been that visible outside of our own world.

Maike Kessling, La Prairie: I don?t see any huge barriers.

Gable Merrick, Richemont/Alfred Dunhill Division: Drop in duties in China, Vietnam and Thailand?

Klaus Mellin, Braun GmbH: If people reduce their travelling activities as a result of a major health threat or terrorist activities.

Peter Zottl, Swarovski: None that cannot be overcome! Travel and tourism being the world's most dynamic and fastest growing service industry and travel retail being part of it!

S.Shriram, Bangalore International Airport: As far as India is concerned, the Government?s approach is only commendable. It is proceeding in the right direction and look forward to more and more support from the agencies concerned.

Jeanne Osborne, Duty Free Americas: Higher and higher bids; security regulations; European Airports not allowing in transit purchases and being difficult to negotiate with. They want purchasing to come back to their area, so in-transit purchases are confiscated and not allowed.

Mohamed Mounib, Abu Dhabi Airport Catering & Duty Free: I personally believe that over the years, we have lost the price attractiveness that we once held and we are now faced with a high street retail offer that in many cases matches our price points and can create a very attractive shopping environment.

Michael Payne, IAADFS: Lack of consumer education/understanding of the industry; security issues; airport infrastructure.

Hans-Kristian H?jsgaard, Georg Jensen: (1). The industry itself (thousand tribes); (2) the exorbitant concession contracts and therefore stale retail environments; (3). the international security situation.

George A Sternberg, Bacardi: Security issues.

Chris Pfister, Villiger Sons Ltd: Anti-tobacco, anti-smoking lobby (in our case).

Ylva Persson, William Grant & Sons: Fuel emission charges and arguments about global warming; smaller and smaller duty free space (mainly Europe) taking us closer to a domestic retailer; global consolidation; further restrictions on security driven initiatives; high margins due to high bids.

Remi Chadapaux, Scental Travel Retail: Terrorism; political instability; wars, on terror or not; economic slow-down.

Eric Bal?, Chanel: Overreaction to political events; health threats leading to confusion and decision made without prior proper analysis of the consequences in an extremely sensitive business.

Uwe Faber-Billot, Procter & Gamble Int: Compared to many other trade environments, travel retail business is falling behind in the art of retailing. Whilst it holds the most attractive potential shoppers and sees also increasing passenger numbers, it lacks skills, strategies and concept to maintain its edge vs. High Street, gray markets and internet retail.

Jorge E. Ramos, Travel Shop SA: Terrorism and epidemics.

Nik Faeh, Police Time: The safety issues costs a lot of time that passengers have not much time left to enjoy airside shopping.

Ricardo A. Maduro, Motta Intl: Security at airports.

Richard Bennett, Motta Intl: Some countries are excessively bureaucratic because of trade barriers aimed at protecting local industry and trade, and end up affecting the travel retail industry. There is sometimes a certain degree of jealousy by domestic distributors who claim to actually have the rights to supplying or running airport concessions, yet this would work against regionalization of the offer, which gives continuity to the travel retail offer in a given region and creates economies of scale.

Roel Elizalde hktronics: Monopoly.

Martin Rechberger, R-Trade: Boredom! With airports looking like High Streets and the High Street in all cities in the world looking the same and offering the same. With all big operators (are there any others left?) working on similar systems and ideas of assortment, layout, brands, promotions etc, travellers who now travel much more often than they did in the past see the same thing everywhere and that's not exciting enough to spend more money in airports.

Peter Williams, Alpha Airports Group: The airport environment and passenger experience is dreadful at many airports, particularly in the UK. This leads to a squeeze on passenger dwell time and he or she not being in the best frame of mind for travel shopping.

Steve O' Connor, Muscat Duty Free: Image; health lobby; local retailers; religious lobby – liquor/Middle East.

Richard Winsor, Alpha Airports Group: Security bags clarity and consistency; worldwide ban on duty free tobacco.

WHAT CHANGES IN YOUR OWN BUSINESS, OR BUSINESS AREA(S) EXCITE YOU MOST WITH REGARD TO YOUR COMPANY?S PROSPECTS FOR 2007?

John Sutcliffe, Aer Rianta International Middle East: I am confident that with political stability not only ARIME, but all operators in this wonderful region will have a record year in 2007.

Erik Juul-Mortensen, Maxxium Global Travel Retail/TFWA: 2006 was the first full year of trading with Maxxium Global Travel Retail being really global covering almost all corners of the world's duty free and travel retail business. The year also saw the introduction of some exiting new initiatives with a number of new products, product innovations, and promotional concepts, which were all well received by the industry.
In 2007 we will be continuing this trend, and the industry will again see new initiatives from Maxxium Global Travel Retail fully supported by our strong organisation of dedicated professionals, combined with the excellent portfolio of premium spirits and wines.

Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free: Dubai Duty Free is looking forward to another great year in terms of our turnover. We are also excited by the opening of Concourse 2 and Terminal 3 and think that travellers can expect a gorgeous retail offer in the new areas which cover 10,000 square metres. Also, this year, we will open our new Distribution Centre which will have a semi-automated storage and retrieval system to help meet the increased demands of the business. The new facility will be about 27,000 square metres in size and will also contain a three-level office building.
The first phase of Dubai World Central International Airport will open at the end of 2007 and Dubai Duty Free will have around 3,000 square metres of retail space in the terminal. So all in all, we have a lot to look forward to!

Mark Riches, BAA/World Duty Free: Three key changes particularly stand out for me: Every year the bar is raised. We have new owners who have different priorities and expectations. WDF is at its best when the challenge is greatest. One benefit of new ownership may well be less bureaucracy and a harder commercial edge.
Terminal 5 galvanises all of our creative and commercial initiatives – the delivery of our space will make us an even better airport retailer. The joint initiatives delivered by working alongside some great brand partners.

Peter Eriksson, (Zurich Airport AG): Introducing arrivals duty free in Switzerland! Further developing the involvement of all stakeholders to create exciting retailing. Continuing to improve the quality and the offer of products and services at Zurich Airport and by this establishing our airport within the top 5 of Europe.

Christian S?ltemeyer, Fraport AG and Frankfurt Airport: We are currently finalizing a complete commercial revision of all the retail space in Terminal 2 landside and airside with new exciting possibilities.
Other than that we are trimming our Retail Organisation to be more specialized and knowledgeable by introducing a Category Management. The idea is to leave the landlord perspective and develop into active retail managers – even more than in the past.

Roberto Graziani, The Nuance Group: That some of our global projects (such as our shop floor project ?Best Selling?) have gained full momentum and are participating very positively to our bottom line and that our company has achieved some major expansion and growth targets – either in the ?old world? but also in the most important Indian market.

Antares Cheng, King Power Group (Hong Kong): Diversification. We continuously acquire potential and prestigious brands and we are expanding our markets and business territories further north.

Ray Martin, Travel Retail Training UK: The use of ’emotional intelligence’ in selecting, training and developing staff that will be a credit to our industry.

Arturs Saveljevs, Riga International Airport: The opening of ‘Departures 2’. The start of the North pier construction.

Foster Fu, Beijing Capital International Airport: The third terminal will give five times the area at least for commercial use when compared with terminals 1 and 2 put together.

George Horan, Dubai Duty Free: The challenge of opening the commercial outlets in Concourse 2 and Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

Howard Amor, Owner, Zero Group: Products other suppliers have not yet developed and additional new brands.

Francisco Heredia Lafuente, London Supply SA: As you know I am in charge of the New Projects Division, so… my job is to produce changes!

Colin Hargrave, BAA: New owners driving even stronger commercial agenda; exciting new brands and concepts delivered.

Wim Heemskerk, Dufri International: We are not hurt by the new security rules yet. But if that happened we have to focus on more local business and internet business. Because Internet/local business is not yet infected by security rules.
The big growth in the electronic business at this moment. People are looking for gadgets in electronics more than years before.

Doug Benham, Brussels Airport: (1). Active investment in the development of retailing and enhanced facilities; (2). enhanced marketing and communication to customers (this is a positive by-product of recent security measures as they affected retailing); (3). Greater understanding of customers and their retail needs.

Frank J Zhang, China Duty Free Group: New valuable outlets to be set up and more new and saleable merchandise to be introduced into the China duty free market.

Anthony Chalhoub, Habchi & Chalhoub: The expansion of our retail environment.

Simon Au, Sky Connection: The new duty free business opportunity at the land border (between Hong Kong and PRC) at Lok Ma Chau starting in July 2007. This is a new business dimension for our company.

David Merriman, Manager, Time Products, UK: I am not saying!
Steven Candries, Guylian: Each day I get an order and often more than one a day I get excited. I still get excited and this is the fun of the job.

Theodore Gitzos, Hellenic Duty Free Shops: Privatization of marinas.

Mark McKenzie, SR2000: Diversification into non-tax & duty free business opportunities.

David Thompson, D. G. Thompson International: New products and concepts.

Alexandre Tabacoff, Aeroporti di Roma: the positive impact of a full year of activity in our four refurbished Good Buy Roma Duty Free Shops.

Mahendra Thakar, Flemingo International: always looking for new opportunities in the area where others are not interested.

Mireille Sarthou, Herve Leger Parfums: Strategy towards new products and new brands introduction; price scale offer.

Donatienne de Fontaines-Guillaume, Cosmopolitan Cosmetics: The start of a New Year – always the start of new hopes and new dreams. Never lose faith …..

Maike Kessling, La Prairie: For 2007 we have many challenges in Asia and have just opened our own flagship store in Hong Kong in alliance with Nuance Watson. For the Middle East we now have our own team in place and will therefore have much more focus on developing the business. Generally the company focus will be on the travel retail channel and I therefore see 2007 as a very challenging and exciting year for us.

Gable Merrick, Richemont/Alfred Dunhill Division: India, China.

Klaus Mellin, Braun GmbH: Exciting new products and the scope of geographical expansion.

Peter Zottl, Swarovski: The unstoppable growth of fashion jewellery as a category, the continued opening of Swarovski retail shops in airports and the roll-out of self service displays makes us optimistic to achieve the ambitious targets for 2007.

S.Shriram, Bangalore International Airport: Again, we, as a start-up airport, are constructing a greenfield airport, scheduled to commence operations in 2008. The very fact that I am associated with such a mammoth infrastructure project is sheer excitement. Looking forward to creating a world-class travel retail environment in India in the near future.

Jeanne Osborne, Duty Free Americas: My company is very good at combating all obstacles and finding solutions to situations.

Mohamed Mounib, Abu Dhabi Airport Catering & Duty Free: The growth in the business is amazing. The segments of our passengers are changing and we will be able to double our revenues in 4 years [and that] is just breathtaking. I am excited by all that, but I am also equally excited by my management and sales team who now bring everyday innovative ideas and new concepts that will ensure meeting our aim to be the best in our class.

Michael Payne, IAADFS: The strength of the duty free industry.

Hans-Kristian H?jsgaard, Georg Jensen: (a) To leverage our breakthrough in the