Dubai – Mubasher: Dubai Duty Free announced it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Tencent Holdings Limited, a China-based Internet value-added services provider.
Under the agreement, both firms will collaborate to enhance the Chinese tourists’ travel and shopping experiences at Dubai Duty Free, according to a press release.
The agreement aims at leveraging Tencent’s expertise and digital platforms in China, while counting on the global status of Dubai Duty Free as a retail destination to uplift the integrated marketing outreach of retail operators in China, the release said.
Moreover, the partnership will improve the travel experience of Chinese visitors in Dubai through using Tencent’s “Social and Smart Retail Solutions”, Dubai Duty added, noting that “these include but are not limited to WeChat Pay, WeChat Mini Program and Tencent Cloud.”
The collaboration will also reinforce Dubai Duty Free’s insight into the consumption behaviour of Chinese tourists.
The agreement was signed by Ramesh Cidambi, chief operating officer of Dubai Duty Free, and Norman Tam, general manager of Hong Kong and Taiwan Office, International Business Group, Tencent at Tencent Binhai Tower in Shenzhen, China.
Commenting on the agreement, Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free said: “China is an important market for us and Dubai Duty Free is continually looking at ways that will further enhance our appeal to Chinese travelers.
“With its long-standing reputation for innovation, Tencent is an exciting partner for Dubai Duty Free and we look forward to working with them in the coming year,” McLoughlin added.
