World Duty Free opens with glamour, luxury and high spirits at BIA

Friday, 18 May 2012 00:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The World Duty Free, managed by the pioneer operator, Autogrill Lanka Ltd., was opened yesterday at the Bandaranaike International Airport, offering a new experience and exciting luxury products for travellers.

Chief Guest at the opening, Airport and Aviation Services Chairman Prasanna Wickramasuriya said: “This is certainly a proud moment in the Bandaranaike International Airport’s history and I believe that World Duty Free’s presence, being such a prestigious and reputable duty free brand, elevates BIA international Airport on par with key regional airports and global airports. This will no doubt be a proud moment for us.”

Airport and Aviation Services Chairman Prasanna Wickramasuriya (left) along with World Duty Free CEO Sri Lanka Dimantha Kinigama and World Duty Free Group International Operation Director Pedro Castro applaud the launch of Roberto Cavalli fragrances. Miss Sri Lanka Representative and model cum film star Yureni Noshika yesterday at the new outlet at the arrival lounge at BIA – Pic by Daminda Harsha Perera

“Our footprint spans across over 260 stores in 67 locations, across 16 countries spanning four continents. With World Duty Free Group’s presence in key international airports from Vancouver to Valencia and London to Madrid, we are proud to have their presence here in Sri Lanka,” said Dimantha Kinigama, CEO of World Duty Free – Sri Lanka.

World Duty Free Group is an Autogrill Company which controls all its travel retail and duty free businesses. Autogrill, the world’s leading provider of food and beverage and retail services for people on the move, is a quoted company on the Milan Stock Exchange with a Euro 5.7 billion turnover. The company has its presence in over 1,200 locations across 37 countries, employing over 62,500 people.

World Duty Free, commonly known as ‘WDF,’ epitomises luxury and is considered to be the Rolls Royce of the duty free industry. WDF presents world-renowned brands imported directly from the brand manufacturers and offers all its customers a memorable shopping experience.

“We have depth in range in all categories such as spirits, tobacco, confectionery, perfume and cosmetics, fantastic promotions, an immaculate world class store layout and most importantly, we will have an unmatched level of Sri Lankan hospitality and customer service,” Kinigama added.

The iconic black and white WDF duty free bag, which would replace the famous red and white bag which travellers both arriving and departing from Sri Lanka were always seen with, will further carry a sense of luxury and style.

All travellers who pass through the Bandaranaike international Airport would gain a sense of pride in not only getting the best possible duty free shopping deals, superior products and an unmatched level of service, but in carrying their items in a world-renowned World Duty Free black and white bag.

During the opening ceremony, an exclusive range of Dalmore whiskey from White and McKay, which represents a proud Scottish heritage, was also unveiled by Pedro Castro, World Duty Free Group International Operation Director.

Roberto Cavalli Fragrance, the most recognised and the latest perfume brand in the Duty Free retail arena, was also officially added to the WDF perfume range, which already comprises of world-renowned brands such as Chanel, Dior, Armani, Gucci, Davidoff, CK, DKNY, D&G, etc. Roberto Cavalli stands for sheer luxury and World Duty Free proudly launched this perfume in Sri Lanka with the assistance of former Miss Sri Lanka representative and model cum film star Yureni Noshika.