Loading
TAMPA — Tampa International Airport is starting the search for new concessioners to provide retail, food and beverage and customer service at the airport. The contract with the airport's existing concessionaire, which dates back to the opening of the terminal in 1971, expires in 2015.
The airport is looking to replace a single provider with multiple operators, a concessions model that has become more popular among large airports in recent years. Airport officials expect that the additional providers will encourage more choices for passengers, more opportunities for local and small businesses and increased revenue to the airport.
“By combining national brands with a local sense of place, we hope to really capture the spirit of Tampa Bay through this new concessions program,” airport CEO Joe Lopano, says in a press release.. “We are looking forward to exploring new ideas and creative business concepts, maintaining our mission of putting customers first and keeping Tampa International Airport thriving as one of the world's best airports to shop, dine and relax.”
Operators will be able to bid on a variety of concessions packages of different sizes that include a mix of locations in the terminal and airsides. The entire package is worth about $1.3 billion in gross sales over 10 years.
Tampa International Airport will begin soliciting competitive proposals in spring 2014 and awarding contracts by late 2014. By the end of 2015, airport visitors will begin to see new storefronts and restaurants opening.
A series of workshops hosted by the airport will cover the basics of operating a business in an airport environment, minority and small business requirements and the solicitation process. The first meeting is Oct. 22. For more information or to register click here.
Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning business news.
Join thousands of executives who rely on us for insights spanning Tampa Bay to Naples.
