KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd is upgrading its retail space and commercial services to cater to higher tourist arrivals, said senior general manager for commercial services Mohammad Nazli Abdul Aziz.
As at October 2018, Nazli said MAHB's 39 airports in Malaysia recorded 89 million passenger movements, of which 70 per cent are overseas travellers.
One of the things that comes with air travel is time spent waiting around in airports. After check-ins and security controls, passengers traveling for leisure tend to have some spare time to shop – whether to indulge in themselves or to buy souveniers for family and friends.
The travel retail concept, he said, is very much centred around helping air travellors shop and pay in ways that are convenient for them.
With the latest instalment of MAHB's RESET Strategy, Nazli said his team aims to raise the retail profile of airports, brand positioning and new retail mix.
Airports have become an area where retailers and brands test potential success in new markets, based on travellers’ nationalities and flight destinations.
MAHB general manager of commercial business Hani Ezra Hussin said many brands also offer “travel retail exclusive”, special products which are only available to travellers to entice shoppers to buy exclusive items.
She said retail outlets at airports also have the privilege of knowing in advance when their customers will show up, where they are from and where they are heading.
"So, we have retailers organise for staff who are multi-lingual and product displays base on flight schedules," said Hani.
With more than 350 participating travel retail players nationwide, MAHB initiated the Concessionaires Conferences series to recognise outstanding concessionaires and to encourage them to set industry-breaking standards of service.
Yesterday, the MAHB organised the 9th Concessionaires Conferences carrying the theme ‘Gearing Towards the Future of Travel Retail’.
Among retailers and brands that were celebrated at the awards ceremony were Beauty Boutique, Giorgio Armani, McDonald's, Jo Malone London, The Zon, Rolex, Braun Buffel, Lonely Planet & Billabong, Famous Amos, Sports Bar by Bones, Plaza Premium Lounge, Deli N' Meal, Sumiran Cafe, Tory Burch, Wendy's, Hershey's Flotilla Buggy, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Chocolates@Penang, Homey Cafe & Bakery and Starbucks Coffee.