'Choice, value and service' as Bristol International Airport tenders tax and duty free
Industry News 9-February-2009
UK. Bristol International Airport is putting its tax and duty free concession out to tender.
Expressions of interest will be invited on or before 6 April. The new concession will begin on 1 November 2009. The contract term has not been finalised, but will be included in the tender document when it is published in May.
The airport company said that its incumbent tax and duty free concessionaire, The Nuance Group, has successfully managed the business at Bristol International for the past ten years, achieving strong year-on-year sales growth.
The airport serves the South West of England and South Wales. It is the ninth busiest in the UK (the fifth busiest outside London) and handled just over 6 million passengers in 2008. A range of full service scheduled, low cost and charter carriers operate at Bristol International and seven million people live within a two hour drive-time.
Bristol International recently announced plans to develop and enhance its facilities to handle 10 million passengers annually by 2016. The proposals include extensions to the terminal building, additional car parking and new aircraft stands. The airport company is also working with a developer on a separate planning application for an on-site hotel.
A £7.5 million project to improve passenger facilities was completed in 2008, including an extension to the security search to facilitate improved access to the departure lounge and the opening of additional high street catering brands.
For the next phase of the retail development plans, the airport is working with leading UK consultants The Design Solution to develop a “state-of-the-art” new walk-through tax and duty free shop, creating an enlarged anchor retail store within the departure lounge
Bristol International Airport Head of Retail Simon Preece said: “We are building for the future of Bristol International Airport. Our development proposals provide the blueprint for a successful 10 million passenger airport, and we see our tax and duty free offer being an integral part of this exciting vision.
“Ensuring passengers have a seamless journey through the terminal is paramount to Bristol International, creating an environment for retailing to thrive. We will work in partnership with the successful company to create first-class shopping opportunities for all our passengers, with choice, value and service at the core.”