 |
 |
Themed “˜Sun, Sand and Sea’ the interior of the new airport is designed to capitalise on St Maarten’s warm and friendly atmosphere and enhance the first and last impressions visitors get of the island at the airport. |
ST MAARTEN. Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE) on Friday 28 October signed contracts with the first eight of the 39 businesses selected to operate an outlet in the new terminal under construction.
PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday said that discussions with the remaining businesses that were selected are progressing well. More contracts will be signed soon.
The eight businesses that signed contracts to operate in the terminal include four existing and four new concessionaires. Incumbents that signed are Edil Duty Free liquor (a liquor and tobacco store); David’s Gift Shop (a souvenir and gift retailer); Roblitos which specialises in Cuban cigars; and Dutch Delight, which will operate a convenience store on the ground level.
New concessionaires include Kaffe, a coffee shop providing premium coffee and other hot and cold beverages and pastries in the food court area on the ground level. The departure hall will feature Last Mango in Paradise which sells T-shirts, caps and resort wear; chocolate shop Jeff de Bruges; and L’Occitane which sells body and wellness products.
These businesses were selected from over 80 proposals which PJIAE received after bids for the 39 outlets were opened in August 2005. The selection includes a mix of local (St. Maarten/St. Martin), regional and international businesses.
“Our criteria for selection included the marketing plan, customer services and quality plan, financial plan and whether the business would fit the theme of the design for our new airport building,” drs. Holiday explained. “We are very optimistic that with the selected businesses we can create an exiting retail offering within the “˜airport mall’ designed in the new terminal building for the visitors and residents making use of the airport.”
Themed “˜Sun, Sand and Sea’ the interior of the new airport is designed to capitalise on St Maarten’s warm and friendly atmosphere and enhance the first and last impressions visitors get of the island.
“Tourism is our island’s most important industry and through our retail programme and the selected businesses we are committed to enhancing the tourist product on the island and thus contributing to the island’s position as a premier tourist destination in the North Eastern Caribbean,” said drs. Holiday.
drs. Holiday said he looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the concessionaires. “We are committed to making this work,” he commented. The concessionaires also expressed enthusiasm regarding their business ventures.
“We’re happy to have been selected to operate an outlet in the new building. The airport is moving forward and as locals, it is a pleasure to be part of that development,” said David Richardson, of Edil Duty Free Liquors.
Myrtille van der Kamp-Brookson of Kaffe said that her signing of the contract was a proud, historic moment. “I have followed the development of the airport with interest and I am happy that this is finally happening,” she said.
Esther de Robles of David’s Gifts said: “We have been here for so long and we consider the other concessionaires family. We have a nice crew in the stores and we worked together as the airport’s customer service, helping people. It would be nice if the “˜new people’ could become part of that family too. We always have and will always continue to do whatever we can to make this a success.”
MORE STORIES ON PRINCESS JULIANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Princess Juliana International Airport calls RFP for retail and food & beverage – 20/05/05
