April 26- The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has reported a 26.1 per cent increase in duty free sales in the first quarter of 2010. The announcement was made yesterday at the Airport Show 2010 in Dubai. ADAC said that this shows that consumer confidence in Abu Dhabi’s travel retail sector is returning after the global financial crisis that hit last year.
Speaking on the occasion, ADAC’s Huraiz Almur Bin Huraiz, said: "We are encouraged by the first quarter results and to be 12.3 per cent ahead of passenger growth in turnover reinforces our strategy to continue to drive penetration, conversion and spend with our retail partners. Double-digit growth has been witnessed across all categories with luxury, perfume and cosmetics, liquor, gold and electronics being the star performers; exclusive launches and promotional campaigns have also contributed significantly to sales and similar activities are planned throughout 2010 to continue enhancing the retail experience and value offer for our customers."