Maldives travel retail in the spotlight after airport sells US$39,000 bottle of whisky
21 Oct 2012, 5:36 PM
Neil Merrett
This story was originally published on Minivan News’ spin-off travel review site, Dhonisaurus.com.
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) in Male’ has become the second duty free operator in the Asia Pacific region to sell a recently launched US$39,000 (MVR592,000) bottle of whisky, reflecting what one retailer said is the growing significance of the destination for providers of high-end luxury goods.
Earlier this month, resort chain Anantara announced it would be offering guests a limited edition elephant-harvested coffee – priced at US$1,100 per kilogram – to target high-end gourmet appeal.
While the sale and consumption of alcohol products outside of the country’s airport and resort properties is prohibited under local law, the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MNNCI) said there remained definite potential for local industry and crafts to profit in a market like INIA, despite the MNNCI’s “concerns” over the development.
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