Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) recognized five airports for their superior concessions program in the…
Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) recognized five airports for their superior concessions program in the 2003 Richard A. Griesbach Excellence in Airport Concessions Contest. The announcement was made during the ACI-NA Economic Specialty Conference in Tucson. Those airports receiving recognition include Norfolk International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Portland International Airport, La Guardia Airport and Logan International Airport. Last year`s over all Griesbach award winner was Philadelphia International Airport.
Over the past decade, airport concessions have improved significantly, said Leonard A. Ginn, ACI-NA`s Senior Vice President of Economic and Associate Affairs. Today, the quality and diversity of products and services offered is amazing — spanning the spectrum from relaxing personal massages, to times square quality newsstands, to gourmet `just in time` service restaurants.
This year`s ACI-NA Airport Concession Award winners demonstrate that this trend is alive and well and that airports are continuing to move the concessions bar further even during difficult times, Ginn said. The winning concepts make it clear that airports are responding to consumers and meeting the market and in the process raising revenues to support needed capital development and keep airline costs down. Thus, good airport concessions are a three-sided win — for the traveling public, the airports and the airlines.
Due to tremendous growth since, the contest, which seeks to promote innovation and excellence in airport concession programs, debuted a number of changes this year. The honors competition will continue to take place annually, however the eligible categories will alternate each year. The Most Innovative Concession category will be accepted every year, but odd numbered years will accept only entries in the Best Food and Beverage Program category while even numbered years will on accept Best Retail/Specialty Program. Airports that submit in both categories in the consecutive years will be automatically considered for the Richard A. Griesbach award, which will now be awarded on alternate years.
The contest, which began in 1998, is named for Richard Griesbach, a long- time industry professional in airport concession programs from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. The contest is judged by an independent panel comprised of professionals representing the various disciplines reflected in the competition, along with one representative from the previous year`s overall winner.
More than 20 airports nationwide submitted entries this year. Entries are divided into three class sizes: Class A/B (Small Airports), Class C (Medium Airports) and Class D (Large Airports).
Most Innovative Concession
Class A/B
1st Place — Norfolk International Airport – Advertising Program
Class C
1st Place — Vancouver International Airport – Gateway Valet & Concierge
Best Food and Beverage Program
Class C
1st Place — Portland International Airport – Post Security South Concessions
2nd Place — Vancouver International Airport – International Terminal Pre-Security
Class D
1st Place — La Guardia Airport, Central Terminal Building
2nd Place — Logan International Airport – Terminal E
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
