Airport operator Abu Dhabi Airports has achieved record commercial sales of AED707.6m (US$193m) for the first six months of 2015, a 10.9% increase when compared with the same period in 2014.
The top performing categories were duty free and food and beverage, but there had also been growth across specialty retail, hospitality, car parking, advertising, banking and currency exchange and Skypark Plaza operations.
Abu Dhabi Airports has attributed part of the growth to an ongoing marketing campaign that includes the ‘spin and win’ competition where passengers can win duty free vouchers and airline tickets, as well as a luxury car prize draw which has already given away a Porsche Panemera and Maserati Ghibli.
Dan Cappell, acting chief commercial officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “The continued increase in sales is a reflection of our commitment to providing passengers with the diverse range of high quality services and offerings that they can expect at a major international airport, and having exceptional partnerships with our concessionaires. The performance is all the more noteworthy given the reduction in Chinese spending, the changing dynamics of the Asian economies, and the currency variations that impact the value for money offered.
“Abu Dhabi Duty Free, in conjunction with our partners, will continue to focus on improving the customer experience. Our retail and food and beverage refurbishment program will enable us to offer our passengers the widest possible choice, through exclusive offers, product launches and innovative promotional campaigns, delivering great value and excellent customer service.”
