Lagardère Travel Retail claims 12-year concession at Cambodia’s Techno International Airport
Representatives of Lagardère Travel Retail, HSC Group and Cambodia Airport Investment Company at the signing of the new contract
Lagardère Travel Retail and its local partner HSC Group have signed a 12-year contract with Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC) for the management of retail and dining operations at the Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh.
The Techo International Airport, scheduled to open in 2025, is expected to become Cambodia’s new gateway and enhance the country’s global connectivity.
For Lagardère Travel Retail this agreement signifies a major milestone in its Asian development. For the first time, Lagardère Travel Retail will operate its three Business Lines in a green field country, in a highly dynamic environment. The contract also seals Lagardère Travel Retails first direct operation in duty free in Asia and the first ever profit-sharing model implemented by the group in ASPAC.
This rendering indicates the type of store in the plans for Techno International Airport
The selection of Lagardère Travel Retail and HSC Group consortium for the Techo International Airport concession marks the commencement of a commercial collaboration under which Lagardère Travel Retail will operate Duty Free & Fashion, Foodservice and Travel Essentials.
Lagardère Travel Retail can rely on the downtown expertise in dining, duty free and international fashion of the seasoned local operator HSC. The 34 new outlets in Techo International Airport will cover a combined floor space of 6,500 square meters and come in addition to the over 500 stores Lagardère Travel Retail already operates in Asia. According to the travel retailer, the stores will curate the finest international, regional and local brands.
The contract is based on a profit-sharing model, said to reshape the codes of the travel retail industry. This model creates a true partnership between operator and airport demonstrating CAIC’s innovative mindset as the first landlord in the region to implement it. Its adaptability over the 12 years of the agreement facilitates the testing of new brand and product offers, as well as technologies.
The exclusive array of outlets will include premium Duty Free Aelia store, Marché food hall and innovative hybrid concepts, including an EL&N café – a lifestyle café with trendy pop-ups – and ‘Le Connoisseur’ store, a haven for fine dining, liquors, and tobacco. The two globally recognized concepts Relay and Discover, operated in partnership with Monument Books, will complement the broad variety of stores. In addition to these physical stores, Lagardère Travel Retail is set to implement an e-commerce strategy and digital immersive experiences, aligning with Techo International Airport’s ambition.
Local products and brands, along with international names, will be highlighted through the new management agreement
Séverine Lanthier, Asia COO & Chief Strategy and Development Officer, said, “This agreement opens new horizons to our operations in Asia and I am deeply grateful to our teams and partners who support us writing this new chapter. I am convinced that, through our unique profit-sharing model and the dedication of our teams, we will raise the retail and foodservices for South Asian and international travelers to the next level.”
Oknha Charles Vann, Director of Cambodia Airport Investment Company, added, “Through our collaboration with Lagardère Travel Retail and HSC Group, we anticipate significant added value for frequent flyers traveling to and from Phnom Penh. The expertise and international network from which travelers will benefit, will position Cambodia as a key player on the Asian regional scene.”
Lagardère Travel Retail said this agreement "marks the ongoing expansion of Lagardère Travel Retail’s global footprint and its commitment to developing multiple business activities, creating seamless experiences for passengers and at the same time maximizing the operational and commercial value delivered to landlords and brands".
