AUSTRALIA. Among the highlights of next month’s highly-anticipated 2025 Australian Airports Association (AAA) Retail & Commercial Forum in Sydney will be a deep dive into international visitor spending in Australia from Mastercard and a view of how elevated traveller experiences drive commercial outcomes from Prescient Properties.
Now in its fourth year, the Forum is a collaboration between the AAA, The Mercurius Group and The Moodie Davitt Report. It serves as the leading platform for promoting the growth of retail and commercial revenues at airports across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. The event runs from 21-23 July at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth hotel.
Following the all-day Ground Transport Forum on 21 July, the Retail & Commercial Forum will begin with two morning keynotes on 22 July.
Mastercard Australia Vice President, Digital & Retail Partnerships Leah Rocheleau will offer insights into spending trends among leading inbound nationalities with a focus on emerging visitor groups from South Asia.
Prescient Properties Research Director David Grant will then speak to the theme, ‘Sentiment and Spend: How Traveller Experience Drives Commercial Outcomes’.
As reported, a further standout moment will come on 23 July, with the keynote delivered by Hungry Jack’s Founder Jack Cowin (pictured right), before a detailed discussion of food & beverage at the region’s airports.
In other sessions the Forum will focus on the duty-free spend potential of the strong rise of Indian and other emerging international visitor markets; tackle the future of speciality retail; and discuss themes ranging from commercial design to the costs of retail fit-out.
Further sessions will focus on data analytics and the airport hotel market, while 2025 will see the return of the anticipated Regional Airports Benchmarking study masterclass, with an expanded remit to encompass airports managing up to two million annual passenger movements.
Other topics that will come under the spotlight include a focus on specialty retail, airport advertising, the commercial value of integrated terminals, the challenge of rising fit-out costs and the opportunities in landside property.
Host Sydney Airport will update delegates on its commercial plans, performance and outlook.
The Forum sessions will also be complemented by video showcasing best practice in commercial activities around the world, produced by The Moodie Davitt Report.
At the popular Ground Transport Forum on 21 July, a variety of subjects critical to the ground transport sector will be addressed. These include the use of Advanced Air Mobility in ground transport; the role of technology in enhancing the value of car parking and a discussion of parking demand and yield generation.
Presentation of a white paper on the car rental market will be another core focus, as will discussions about the future for taxi, rideshare and public transport options at airports. The opportunities and challenges presented by the emerging advanced air mobility market will also come under the spotlight.
The AAA Retail & Commercial Forum website can be accessed here.
