NAD to increase duty-free shopping concessions at airport

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Jan Knowles vice president of Marketing and Commercial Development for the Nassau Airport Development (NAD) Company.

Officials at the Nassau Airport Development (NAD) Company are looking to increase its non-aeronautical revenue by improving the duty-free concession shopping in the international terminal.

In its 11th year managing the travel hub and primary gateway into the country, Jan Knowles vice president of Marketing and Commercial Development said improving the product offering at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) this year is priority.

“We have great stores but like most airports around the world it’s all about generating revenue,” Knowles said.

“… For many international airports the setup is similar to a mall where the traveling public look forward to the great shopping options.”

With more than 20 vendors, Knowles told Eyewitness News, they are looking for specific business that will not only boost numbers but add to the Bahamian experience that will leave a lasting impression on travelers.

“A major part of this agenda is also tailoring the experience to be uniquely Bahamas,” she said.

“The experience you have here should be different from every other airport in the world and that we think will make a lasting impression and bring repeat visitors.”

Knowles added that LPIA continues to see record-breaking numbers which is a clear indication, she said, that the country remains a top destination in the region.

“Last December we saw our best numbers and it got even better in January,” she said.

“This Easter holiday we anticipate that those numbers will only improve and we are preparing for the demand.”

LPIA was a buzz of activity Wednesday as Knowles noted that many international guests are escaping the frigid cold weather from the United States and that is working in the country’s favor.

She said, “We take our role very serious in the larger scheme of things. We want to provide the best experience for guests before they arrive at their hotels and make that first and last impression a memorable one.”

Due to the anticipated influx in travel, Knowles advised that the travelling public arrive at least three hours before departure time for international flight and two hours prior for domestic flights.

About Genea Noel

Genea Noel is the news director and weeknight TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. She began working at Eyewitness News in 2018 as the newsroom editor and was subsequently promoted during her tenure. As a household name who graces the screens of thousands of Bahamian homes each night, Genea has racked up an impressive five Bahamas Press Club awards, including “The Cyril Stevenson Award for Outstanding Political Journalism” (2020), “Best Studio Live Producer” (2020) and “Best Newscast” (2018).