Today, World Duty Free, Inc., a global leader in airport duty free retail, announced Orlando as its U.S. headquarters. World Duty Free is part of the Italian-based Autogrill Group, the world's foremost provider of food and beverage and retail services for travelers, with over 350 national and international brands in its portfolio, spanning 37 countries and operating on major motorways, airports and railway stations worldwide.
The decision to locate its U.S. headquarters in Orlando was decided after an extensive national search of major U.S. duty free markets, including Atlanta. Major factors that drove World Duty Free to choose Orlando included the region's status as a world-class destination, its convenient location for international business and its collaborative business environment.
EDC President and CEO Rick L. Weddle said, "We are happy that World Duty Free has decided to locate its headquarters in Orlando. We look forward to supporting them in any way we can and are pleased they have chosen to expand their involvement in the community by becoming investors in the EDC."
World Duty Free currently employs more than 100 corporate and retail employees in the region, expects to hire approximately 5 to 10 new jobs at their Orlando headquarters as well as dozens of retail positions for each retail store opened, spurring economic growth and new jobs for the region.
