JAMAICA. MBJ Airports has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 29 specialty retail and duty free outlets at the International Terminal Building (ITB) of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
As reported, the tender process is being run in parallel to an ambitious airport expansion programme and the related redevelopment of the entire commercial area. MBJ Airports Limited is run by Desarrollo De Concessiones Aerportuarias (DCA), which is owned by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) of Mexico with a 74.5% share and Vantage Airport Group of Canada, which has a 25.5% holding.
The airport is operated through a concession agreement with Airports Authority of Jamaica for 30 years from 2003 until 2033.
The proposed concession is part of the airport’s ongoing delivery of a strategic plan created to transform the retail and service offer to international standards by delivering a “memorable and stimulating” shopping experience for passengers.
The RFP embraces two jewellery stores, one high-end cigar and liquor shop, and 26 specialty retail stores and kiosks. The main duty free concession, run by Dufry and still under negotiation, is not included in the RFP.
To accomplish this, MBJ has specific goals that it expects the successful proponent to achieve, including:
- The development of a well-appointed concession with design that is striking and merchandise that will stimulate impulse purchases, optimise sales as well as meet the design guidelines;
- The provision of a mix of products and services that appeal to and satisfy the changing wants, needs and desires of the full spectrum of the holiday/leisure and local markets;
- Creating an ‘experience’ within each concession space around the products/services that passengers will forever remember.
Sealed proposals in packages marked ‘Request for Proposal – Retail Concession’ will be received by MBJ on or before Friday, 13 March 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
MBJ will conduct an information session on Wednesday, 22 January at 11:00 a.m. Interested parties are required to confirm their attendance no later than 3:00pm, Monday, 20 January. The name of the company, its attending agents as well as contact information must be submitted via email to: commercialrfp@mbjairport.com.
Jamaica, a major international tourist destination, is the third-largest island and the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean. It has been recognised as the Caribbean’s leading destination at the World Travel Awards for the past eleven consecutive years.
Tourism is vital to the economy of the island, supported by the Government through the Jamaica Tourist Board, which actively promotes and markets Jamaica throughout the world. Travel and Tourism accounted (directly and indirectly) for some 30.8% of jobs within the Jamaican economy in 2018. Total contribution to GDP was 34.0% in 2018 while direct contribution to GDP stood at 10.3% in 2017.
Tourism also accounts for in excess of 70% of the island’s foreign exchange earnings. The island benefits from a high passenger return of up to 40%.
Montego Bay is the second-largest city on the island. Sangster International is one of the biggest, busiest and modernest airports in the Caribbean. Montego Bay is in the centre of the tourist area on the north coast, midway between Negril and Ocho Rios where 85% of all hotels in Jamaica are located. The airport serves not only as the primary gateway to Jamaica, facilitating the transit of over 70% of tourists arriving on the island, but also as the most popular airport for tourists visiting the north coast.
Passenger numbers for 2018 reached 4.537 million, up +5.9% over the previous year. Over 30 carriers, serving more than 60 destinations, operate from the airport. Sangster International Airport primarily serves a growing tourist market with 99% of passengers destined or originating from major international markets, mainly the US, Canada and Europe.
NOTE TO AIRPORT OPERATORS: The Moodie Davitt Report is the industry’s most popular channel for launching commercial proposals and for publishing the results. If you wish to promote an Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals or full tender process for any sector of airport revenues, simply e-mail Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com.
We have a variety of options that will ensure you reach the widest, most high-quality concessionaire/retailer/operator base in the industry – globally and immediately.
Similarly The Moodie Davitt Report is the only international business intelligence service and industry media to cover all airport consumer services, revenue generating and otherwise. We embrace all airport non-aeronautical revenues, including property, passenger lounges, car parking, hotels, hospital and other medical facilities, the Internet, advertising and related revenue streams.
Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant, quality global coverage.
