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Maldives new terminal opens door to several new airlines and “travellers with high retail potential” Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Managing Director & CEO, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL): “For the first time, we will be introducing global luxury fashion and high-end timepieces to our duty free portfolio, alongside a refreshed range of general merchandise. The entire retail space has been designed to deliver a more elevated, memorable shopping experience.” A round 40 airports are a tt ending the Hosted Airport Programme ONE2ONE meeting service which, for the second year, forms a key engagement function of TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference here in Singapore this week. Yesterday the TFWA Daily spoke to Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Managing Director & CEO, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), to ask himwhat he hoped to gain from the meetings. Shareef explained that MACL is in the final stages of a transformative infrastructure project, with a new 78,000sqm passenger terminal “marking a significant step forward in our commercial approach” when it opens in July. “For the first time, we will be introducing global luxury fashion and high-end timepieces to our duty free portfolio, alongside a refreshed range of general merchandise. The entire retail space has been designed to deliver a more elevated, memorable shopping experience.” Shareef explains that the Maldives, clearly a specialist destination for exclusivity and natural beauty, “has inspired a retail experience that blends international quality with local authenticity, o ff ering travellers familiar global names, balanced with the opportunity to discover Maldivian products that reflect our culture, craftsmanship and flavours by creating spaces celebrating local identity through design, storytelling, and partnerships. We’ve placed a strong emphasis on cultural relevance, seasonal activations – and sustainability.” Already enjoying almost 2 million international arrivals, once operational the new terminal will be able to handle over three times the current passenger volume. The development follows the provision of a new runway in 2022 which, along with the reconstruction of the parallel taxiway, represents a major investment in both capacity and quality of service. Crucially the new facilities are also paralleled by a growing airline portfolio: “New carriers include Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and ANA – bringing in a broader mix of travellers with high retail potential.” Yet more scope for retail o ff ers presents itself as many of these high-value travellers connect on to their final destinations spread across the islands via the world’s largest seaplane terminal. “Whether it be operators, retailers or global brands, we see great value in strengthening relationships and exploring new avenues for collaboration that support the continued transformation of the passenger experience. To do this our focus is very much on gaining a deeper understanding of what travellers want, how they shop, what influences their choices, and howwe can be tt er meet their expectations within the airport se tt ing. We are especially keen on innovations that connect digital and physical retail in a meaningful way,” emphasises Shareef. “Our engagement at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference underscores our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, connecting with leading brands, exploring emerging trends, and forming partnerships that align with our serious commercial goals.” As a destination known for its exclusivity and natural beauty, the Maldives inspires a retail experience that blends international quality with local authenticity. Tuesday 1 3 May 2025 16 T F W A D A I L Y