Tourexpi
Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has opened the Middle East’s
first POP MART store at Hamad International Airport (HIA), marking a new
milestone in the region’s travel retail landscape. The launch featured a
dynamic travel-themed fashion show, blending art, fashion, and pop culture, and
was attended by international influencers and friends of the brand.
A playful world of collectibles
Located in HIA’s North Node near Gate C18, the
100-square-metre boutique brings POP MART’s vibrant universe of designer
collectibles to travellers across the Middle East. The store offers a curated
selection of travel exclusives, headlined by the “Twinkle Twinkle Wonderful
Journey Series”, a new collection designed especially for global travellers.
Items include card holders, travel pillows, storage bags, and crossbody bags,
celebrating the theme of “pop culture companionship on the go.”
Travellers can also enjoy a Qatar-exclusive gift — a limited-edition
blanket featuring traditional Qatari motifs and POP MART characters, available
with qualifying purchases.
Redefining airport retail
“This first-in-the-region concept reflects our drive
to redefine airport and regional retail,” said Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways
Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer. “POP MART brings creativity and
joy to our retail mix and perfectly aligns with our vision to surprise
travellers with exclusive, experience-centric concepts.”
Justin Moon, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of POP MART International Group, added: “By blending Qatar’s rich
culture with our playful characters, we’re creating more than a store — we’re
building a new global benchmark for how pop culture connects with local
communities.”
A new standard for travel retail
Open 24/7, the store fuses modern architecture with
Middle Eastern design influences, reflecting both POP MART’s artistic flair and
Qatar Duty Free’s commitment to innovation. The partnership marks POP MART’s debut
in the Middle East and reinforces QDF’s role in shaping next-generation travel
experiences, turning every journey through Hamad International Airport into a
moment of discovery and delight.
Image
Credit: © Qatar Airways
The most interesting news
Read the News

WTTC aims to support one million tourism SMEs worldwide
New research suggests that improving productivity among smaller tourism businesses could generate an additional US$63 billion in direct tourism GDP across eight major economies
Read the News

European travel and tourism growth to reach 3.1% in 2026
WTTC forecasts stronger growth than the wider economy as more than 1,000 industry leaders gather in Malta for the organisation’s Global Summit
Read the News

Atlas Ocean Voyages expands Antarctica programme for 2028/29
The cruise line introduces 25 polar expeditions, more fly-and-sail departures and extended itineraries reaching South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Circle
Read the News

Lufthansa named Best European Airline at Asian travel awards
Travel industry professionals across Asia recognise Lufthansa as the airline prepares to introduce its new Allegris cabins on flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
Read the News

Biman Bangladesh Airlines orders 10 Airbus aircraft for fleet expansion
The national carrier plans to introduce A350-900 and A321neo aircraft from 2033, strengthening long-haul and regional operations alongside major Boeing orders
Read the News

Ryanair to suspend all Bremen flights from April 2027
The airline plans to withdraw 500,000 annual seats from the German airport, citing high operating costs and aviation taxes as it shifts capacity to other European markets
Read the News

LOT Polish Airlines launches direct Warsaw–Bangkok flights
The new connection strengthens Thailand’s access to Central European markets, with five weekly flights planned for winter and Polish arrivals expected to reach 250,000 in 2026
Read the News

Six Mexican beaches rank among the Americas’ best in 2026
Tulum takes second place in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, while destinations in Baja California Sur, Jalisco and Nayarit also receive recognition
Read the News

Da Nang strengthens MICE appeal with new Marriott event facilities
Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River offers 13 meeting venues, a rooftop event space and 296 rooms as the Vietnamese city targets nearly 93,000 business event visitors in 2026
Read the News

Delta expands free Wi-Fi to trans-Pacific flights in October
The airline has secured regulatory approval to extend Delta Sync connectivity across its Pacific network, completing the final major stage of its global Wi-Fi rollout
Read the News

Thailand plans tourism experiences for transit passengers
New partnership between tourism and aviation organisations aims to turn longer flight connections into short visits to local attractions, restaurants and communities
Read the News

IHG opens InterContinental Taipei with 347 rooms and seven restaurants
Located within the Taipei Dome complex, the new luxury hotel strengthens IHG’s presence in Taiwan and expands its partnership with Farglory Group
Read the News

TransNusa increases Jakarta–Singapore flights to four daily
Indonesian carrier expands capacity on the busy regional route, offering additional evening connections for business and leisure travellers
Read the News

Marriott identifies local cuisine as Asia Pacific’s leading dining trend
New Future of Food 2027 report highlights growing demand for regional flavours, informal dining spaces and shorter fine-dining experiences
Read the News

Delta postpones Atlanta–Riyadh flights until March 2027
The US airline delays its planned nonstop service to Saudi Arabia amid regional developments, offering affected passengers flexible rebooking and refund options
Read the News

Thailand launches nationwide travel sales campaign in Spain
Tourism Authority of Thailand partners with Viajes El Corte Inglés to promote winter holidays, targeting 20 million consumer impressions and 3,000 package bookings
Read the News

WTTC honours Türkiye’s Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy
The Global Champion Award recognises public-private cooperation and tourism development as Türkiye’s travel economy is forecast to grow further in 2026
Read the News

WTTC identifies eight priorities to strengthen European tourism
New research forecasts Europe’s travel and tourism economy will reach US$3.8 trillion by 2036, but warns that investment, connectivity and workforce shortages require urgent policy attention
Read the News

Marriott Bonvoy brings 14 Hong Kong hotels to Wine & Dine Festival
The four-day culinary event will feature leading chefs, mixologists and new tasting experiences celebrating Hong Kong’s diverse food culture
Read the News

Anantara opens luxury safari camp in Zambia’s Kafue National Park
The new 13-suite riverside retreat combines wildlife safaris, conservation initiatives and private wellness experiences in one of Africa’s largest national parks
Read the News

EXPO 2027 Belgrade strengthens tourism cooperation with North Macedonia
Business networking in Skopje highlights joint travel opportunities as Serbia prepares to welcome an estimated four million visits during the international exhibition
