As summer travel moves into high gear, Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has announced a 16% increase in sales with turnover reaching Dhs2.185 billion (US$607 million) for the first six months of the year.

Commenting on the first half sales figures, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of DDF, said: “We were pleased that 2010 began well for Dubai Duty Free as we have seen an increase in consumer spending across all categories, with average spend per departing passenger at US$47.”

Perfumes, a category that accounts for 14% of total sales at DDF, held on to one of the top spots, with sales of Dhs301 million (US$84 million) in the first half of the year. This represents an 18% increase over the same period last year. Gold retained its third position, showing an increase of 11% to Dhs234 million (US$65 million).

Sales of confectionery were up by 16% to Dhs175 million (US$49 million), while electronics rose by 7% to Dhs160 million (US$44 million), accounting for 6% of total revenue.

Other notable increases in sales were seen in cosmetics (which rose by 26%), watches (which rose by 33%), delicatessen (which rose by 15%) and household items (which rose by 14% over the same period last year).

Moreover, departure sales have increased by 18% compared to the same period in 2009. Similarly, arrivals and public shops have shown increases of 4% and 9%, respectively.

As part of its sponsorship of Dubai Summer Surprises, DDF is offering shoppers the chance to win Dhs175,000 (US$47,645) worth of DDF shopping vouchers over the seven-week promotion. Those spending Dhs500 (US$136) or more have the chance to enter the weekly draw for shopping vouchers worth Dhs25,000 (US$6,800), with the draw taking place each Thursday at DDF.

DDF’s gold shop in Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport