The road to recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic was not easy for Duty Free Philippines (DFP), the country’s sole operator of “duty- and tax-free merchandising system” contributing its earnings to the programs of the Department of Tourism.
But fast forward to 2023, as the nation recovers, the DFP, under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Vicente Pelagio A. Angala, was able to deftly balance the complexities of operational cost management and the pursuit of heightened sales opportunities.
“We struggled to rise to the occasion but demonstrated our strength and resilience as an organization that can adapt and improve,” Angala said as he presented to the media DFP’s accomplishments last year, which included a 53% increase in sales compared with what they had in 2022.
In 2019, the company attained a sales milestone, raking in $226 million while witnessing a parallel surge in income, reaching a substantial P464 million. DFP’s unwavering commitment translated, as well, to a significant P243 million contribution to government tourism programs and projects, fortifying crucial support for government-driven tourism initiatives.
Even in the face of the global pandemic’s temporary disruption, the company’s resilience, coupled with strategic adaptations, paved the way for survival and a steadfast recovery, the DFP official noted.
The company has also experienced a remarkable resurgence, driven by a steady increase in sales, particularly in top categories such as chocolates and confectionery, liquors and wines, and perfumes and cosmetics.
In a dedicated effort to showcase local products to international travelers, DFP achieved total sales of $3.3 million, showcasing a 312 percent increase from the previous year. Together with the Department of Trade and Industry, the company is committed to featuring and representing Philippine culture and craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, to enhance accessibility to Duty Free goods, the company resumed its operations in Bacolod, Kalibo, and Iloilo international airports, with plans for additional stores at Clark Terminal 2 and the introduction of an online shopping platform.
This 2024, DFP embraces the challenge of increasing sales and income by 64 percent, aiming to reach $167 million.
“Thank you to all our loyal customers, our modern-day heroes, the OFWs, balikbayans, and their families for their love for pasalubong shopping. Indeed, it is our love for family that excites us to experience pasalubong shopping at Duty Free,” Angala expressed.
An attached agency of the DOT, DFP is mandated to cater to the duty-free shopping needs of international travelers including balikbayans and OFWs.
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