News Release (09/02/09)
Bristol International to tender Duty Free business
(09/02/09)
Bristol International Airport has announced its intention to put its tax and duty-free concession out to tender. Expressions of interest will be invited on or before 6th April. The new concession will have a start date of 1st November 2009.
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 airport facilities to handle 10 million passengers per annum by 2016. The proposals include extensions to the terminal building, additional car parking and new aircraft stands. The airport is also working with a developer on a separate planning application for an on-site hotel.
A £7.5m 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.
Operating at one of the UK’s fastest growing major regional airports, the current tax and duty free concessionaire, Nuance, has successfully managed the business at Bristol International for the past ten years, achieving strong year-on-year sales growth.
For the next phase of the retail development plans, the airport is currently working with industry leading 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
Simon Preece, Head of Retail at Bristol International Airport, 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.”
Companies interested in participating in the tender or in any other retail opportunities at Bristol International should contact Simon Preece at spreece@bristolairport.com.