Do you love to shop? Travel International Airports! Duty free shopping has become a trend now!
If you want to have amazing shopping experience, the best options would be lavish shopping malls like Lulu International Shopping Mall, Ambience Mall, Dubai Mall, and so on. However, during your travel you can experience extravagant shopping in some if the international airports. Recently, Doha’s Hamad International airport bagged the 1st position in Skytrax ranking beating Singapore Changi airport. Started in 1999, Skytrax award is based on passenger satisfaction surveys including arrivals, check-in, security, departure, immigration, shopping, and so on.
Apart from Doha and Singapore, other top airports are Seoul, Dubai, Munich, Zurich, and Paris airports.
In this article, we will discuss how airports are becoming the best place for retail paradise.
Now, airports are upgrading to provide extravagant traveler experience. In two major sectors, airports are taking special care: food and retail market. This trend started from Singapore Changi airport, which are currently at 2nd position of World's Best Airport. Eventually, Shanghai, Dubai, and Paris airports redesigned to make a space for retailers.
Gianluca Littarru, Rome airport’s general manager mentioned: “We particularly need luxury retail, which is one of the key drivers of growth in the retail business – combining a brand narrative and experience with the significant price advantages of the Duty-Free area.”
Well, this is the era of technology. From virtual reality to augmented reality, technology is taking over in every aspect of our lives. Engaging brand interaction, digitalized marketing are providing premium feel to travellers. Large screens are helping brands to reach more number of customers.
In 2023, Hong Kong airport introduced digital luxury platform, where orders can be delivered to customer's house directly. This boosted airport duty free shopping market.
Let me be frank, the list is huge. But, we will talk about some key airports where you can experience shopping like never before.
Doha Hamad International Airport got the first position in top airport for shopping as per Skytrax website.
The main terminal of Doha Airport offers a whopping 40,000 square meters area for shopping and dining. Istanbul is ranked second in that list. Other notable names in that list are Singapore Changi airport, London Heathrow Airport, and so on. Among many, Kuala Lumpur is rated as the lowest-priced duty-free shopping.
India is also following the global trend to enhance retail sales in airport complex. Some Indian airports are expanding their luxury retail market and gradually transforming them into premium shopping areas. Best examples are Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore airports. Even Delhi International Airport bagged 36th rank in the Skytrax elite list. Furthermore, it got the title of ‘Best Airport in India’ and ‘Best Airport in South Asia’. New Delhi Airport’s JW Marriott Aerocity was awarded with 'Best Airport Hotel in India and South Asia'.
Another Indian airport, Rajib Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad received the recognition of ‘Best Airport Staff Service in India and South Asia’. Globally, Hyderabad airport is ranked 61st.
Bangalore International Airport received the award for ‘Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia’ and ranked 59th globally.
Do explore these airports at least once in your lifetime.
