‘WhatsApp Virtual Assistant Chat-bot’ for International Passengers

Shimla, Dec. 2 – Hyderabad Duty Free (HDF), a division of GMR Hospitality and Retail Limited, runs duty-free shops at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad. Recently, HDF has launched a unique service: “WhatsApp Virtual Assistant Chat-bot”. This service allows international passengers (both departure and arrival) to reach out to HDF using WhatsApp and get their queries answered with ease, also they can ask for a call back from HDF customer executive if further assistance is needed.

Leveraging the massive global WhatsApp user base of over 2.7 Billion users, the new Chat-bot service is a very convenient medium for customer engagement, helping build stronger relationships with customers.

Hosting over 100 brands in various categories in multiple variants, HDF promises an unmatched shopping experience, offering an assortment of some of the world’s finest brands and authentic handpicked souvenirs. HDF is committed to becoming one of the Best Travel Retailers in India by providing unmatched value proposition and enhanced shopping experience for its customers with every visit.

Post COVID-19 outbreak, this service will assist international flyers to resolve their queries about HDF and its products, and engage personally if needed.

Passengers can start the chat by pinging on WhatsApp contact +91-72729 93377. Frequently asked queries will be answered there in quick time. If further assistance is required by passengers, they can choose the relevant option for that. HDF customer executive will call back as early as possible.

During these COVID-19 times, flyers have queries ranging from store location to store safety, HDF products and other related services. This service will help them get answers in no time.

Post COVID-19 outbreak, online shopping has become a “new normal”, and this facility will be a step forward in providing enhanced customer service and duty-free shopping experience at the airport.

With an objective to connect to the curious passenger at the very first touch point itself, this WhatsApp Virtual Assistant Chat-bot initiative will help in converting such passengers into buyers.

With the airport witnessing a steady rise in passenger footfall, HDF, a GMR Group subsidiary, is yet again playing the role of a catalyst for an enhanced passenger service and given the impact that the business has witnessed due to COVID-19.

Commenting on this new development, Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GHIAL, said: “Hyderabad Duty Free is synonymous with delightful shopping experience and fabulous deals, exciting promotions and best prices for international passengers. During this pandemic, HDF has gone the extra mile to resolve passenger queries and demands through its virtual WhatsApp Chatbot in real time. This service adopted by HDF is part of our omni channel strategy and offers a world class duty-free shopping experience and customer service.”