NEWS ROUND-UP AoT faces pressure to split DF concessions
State-owned Airports of Thailand (AoT) will look to preserve its single operator model ahead of a tender for commercial operations at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Phuket International and Hat Yai International Airport. According to a statement, AoT will offer
three contracts: one for duty free, another for retail, food and beverage and foreign
exchange, and the final one for duty free pick-up counters. The decision to retain the single duty free
operator model is a positive development for King Power International Group (KPIG), the incumbent duty free operator at all Thailand’s major airports, including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. These are overseen by AoT under a master concession. KPIG’s contract is set to expire in September 2020. KPIG declined to comment when
approached by TRBusiness. Retail Groups such as The Thai Duty Free
RegStaer in second arrivals showing at Platov Airport
RegStaer Group of Companies has opened its second arrivals duty free shop at Platov International Airport in Rostov-on-Don. This follows the opening of its first store
at Vnukovo Airport on 19 January, as first reported by TRBusiness. The new store is constructed within the
same design concept as the main RegStaer duty free outlet in the international departures area. A traditional mix of duty free goods
such as perfumes and cosmetics, wine and spirits, tobacco, souvenirs and toys are available instore. RegStaer said: “This is a new experience
in Russia and RegStaer is sure that passengers will soon enjoy the advantages of doing shopping on arrival to Russia due to the high quality of goods and attractive duty free prices available on their return.” As first reported by TRBusiness on 16
January, travel retailers were given the green light to operate arrivals shops in Russia based on an order issued by the Russian government on 12 December 2018.
Shop Trade Association and Thai Retailers Association have long believed AoT should split the duty free concession at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and offer multiple duty free concessions by category to maximise the benefits. This would represent a similar scenario to
the one in Hong Kong Airport, where Shilla, CDF-Lagardère and Gebr. Heinemann run the beauty; liquor and tobacco; and
confectionery contracts, respectively. AoT previously said it was considering
four types of duty free concession, including master and multiple opportunities. Seperately, AoT has approved a THB42bn
($1.3bn) plan to build a second terminal at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which could increase commercial and duty free space by up to 70%.
Singapore cuts alcohol duty free allowance
The Singapore government has slashed the duty free alcohol concession for travellers entering the country from three litres to two litres, effective 1 April. The move announced by Minister of
Finance Heng Swee Keat last month simultaneously lowers the GST (goods and service tax) relief ceiling for imported tax free goods. This took effect at 12:00am on 19 February. Under the new rules, implemented in
light of rising international travel volumes, those spending less than 48 hours outside the country will now receive tax breaks on goods valued up to $100, down from $150, while those travelling outside Singapore for more than 48 hours will receive concessions on purchases worth up to $500, down from $600. The duty free allowance applies to travellers aged 18 and above spending
more than 48 hours outside Singapore (excluding Malaysia) and purchases are for self-consumption only. GST relief is applicable to permanent
Singapore residents, citizens and tourists, but not valid for crew members and holders of a work permit, employment pass, student pass, dependent’s pass or long-term pass issued by the government. It does not apply to intoxicating liquor or tobacco or goods imported for commercial purposes.
Source: CAG.
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