BULGARIA. Avolta has hailed its recently-struck agreement for an airside master retail concession at Varna and Burgas airports and said it plans to expand its space at both locations.
As reported, the industry powerhouse will operate a master concession for retail at the Black Sea airports, following an agreement with Fraport Twin Star Airport Management (FTSAM). The airport company also awarded a master food & beverage concession to Lagardère Travel Retail.
Under its eight-year contract extension, Avolta will open six new stores and expand retail space to 2,707sq m across the airports, from around 630sq m today. It will also refurbish the ten stores already in its portfolio. Avolta has operated at Varna and Burgas airports for the past ten years.
At Varna Airport, and in a first for Bulgaria, Avolta will introduce mind.body.soul., a concept designed to address increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable products. Also new will be Candyfair, which offers toys and confectionery in a “fun and immersive environment”.
Other highlights include the transformation of Bulgarian Bazaar into the Taste of Varna and Taste of Burgas concepts. The new Avolta walkthrough stores feature tasting bars in the liquor sections, allowing travellers to stop, taste and interact with products.
Avolta will also introduce a Hudson convenience store and temporary electronics and travel accessories stores at each airport. The new configuration will be implemented in two phases, with all development expected to be completed by summer 2025.
Avolta President and CEO Europe, Middle East and Africa Luis Marin said: “We are honoured to be awarded the Master Retail Concession by Fraport Twin Star Airport Management, making us the exclusive airside retailer at Varna and Burgas airports. Besides thanking the airport, I also want to thank the teams that contributed to this winning proposal. In line with our Destination 2027 strategy, we are determined to redefine how travellers perceive airports, shifting them from places to kill time to places to spend time.
“With this in mind, we are enthusiastic to support the innovative expansion of the open-air terrace at Varna Airport, with the introduction of our very own mind.body.soul., Candyfair and Last Minute retail stores. The terrace space is a rarity among airports and promises an unforgettable experience for travellers, with a unique offering of retail stores, dining options and boarding gates, all within an open-air setting.
“Another key priority for Avolta is to foster a Sense of Place for travellers. In the refurbishment and expansion of our walkthrough stores, we have incorporated interior design elements that pay homage to the local cities and heritage. Native red Bulgarian roses – an iconic symbol from the domestic culture – form striking sculptural pieces in our ‘Taste Of’ concepts, and wooden wagons elegantly showcase local products.
“These deliberate design choices, combined with a wide array of local delicacies, spirits, cosmetics, and souvenirs, invite travellers to immerse themselves in each city’s essence and to take a little piece of the local culture with them on their journey.”
Fraport Twin Star Airport Management CEO Dr. Frank Quante said: “We are all very happy and excited to start in 2024 an eight-year period with excellent partners. This is more than an upgrade of our commercial areas in Burgas and Varna; this goes together with new outside areas and an exceptional customer experience. I am sure our guests at the airport will enjoy very much their stay at our airports. Thank you to Avolta and our own team.” 
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