490、( )3.Duty free Duty free sales are very important to Airlines.They represent eight percent of the total world trade of duty free sales.However， last year represented a reduction of 0 .3%from the previous year .1999 was a year of uncertain changes.After the strong sales of the previous two years， global duty and tax-free sales showed some declinE. Although it is a global industry， there are major changes in performance in different regions of the worlD. Sales in the Asia region continued to grow slower than had been expected; the elimination of tax free sales within the European Union had a dramatic effect on sales.The region that showed the biggest growth last year was the AmericA. Next year， sales are expected to reach USS6 .4 billion.This optimistic growth is well spread among all channels—airports， airlines， border shops， downtown shops etC. Asia is feeling the cold wind of economic crisis and uncertain consumer attitudes.Suppliers and Airline and Airport operators will experience difficulties in budgeting for next year.Sales of perfume and premium whisky and brandy continue to be under pressurE. Tobacco products showed some progress， but most growth was coming from the newer product categories such as chocolates and sweets， electronics and a smaller growth in jewelry sales.The ever increasing and changing range of products of the industry and the continued growth of retail outlets for travelers were key issues in the past year and showed no sign of changing in next year＇s duty free goods.The region that showed biggest growth last year was