IVORY COAST. Travel experience company Avolta has unveiled its first hybrid concept in Africa at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport, serving Abidjan in Ivory Coast.
The 620sq m concept, located within the renovated duty-free store in Terminal 1, represents an important step in Avolta’s regional expansion and its broader global strategy.
The revamped terminal features Graines d’ébène, a bespoke café known for fusing local culinary roots with premium global flavours.
The opening is set to attract a diverse and dynamic international traveller base at one of West Africa’s busiest airports.
Highlighting Avolta’s commitment to innovation, the store incorporates digital features such as interactive screens, virtual cosmetic try-ons and fragrance finders for a personalised shopping experience.
The terminal also spotlights African culture through a dedicated space for homegrown products, championing local chocolate artisans.
Avolta CEO Middle East and Africa Abdeslam Agzoul said, “We are incredibly proud to introduce the hybrid concept in Africa for the very first time.
“This launch not only reflects our global ambition to transform the airport experience, but also highlights our long-standing partnership with AERIA and our strong commitment to the dynamism of Ivory Coast.
“With the store’s modern refurbishment, leading technology and innovative hybrid format, we continue to raise the bar in delivering seamless, world-class experiences to every passenger.”
Aéroport International d’Abidjan (AERIA) CEO Dr Aka Manouan added, “The launch of this new concept by Avolta is in line with AERIA’s strategic vision of making Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan one of the main hubs in West and Central Africa, as well as an attractive, green, user-friendly, and also an international benchmark.
“We welcome this partnership and the actions implemented by our two organisations with the aim of constantly improving the customer experience for passengers. The choice of Abidjan as the location for the first hybrid retail store in Africa is a recognition of our expertise and reliability.
“For several years, we have been working together on programmes aimed at streamlining the travel experience for our passengers, enhancing the comfort of commercial and waiting areas, and raising the quality of services offered.
“These sustained daily efforts have recently been rewarded with Level 3 of the ASQ certification from ACI (Airport Council International).”
The launch aligns with Avolta’s goal of enhancing the travel experience through a hybrid concept combining retail and F&B for convenience and engagement. ✈
