Talking travel retail with Tracy Ross, Aer Rianta International Middle East

At the ACI WAGA 2022 in Marrakech, International Airport Review caught up with Tracy Ross, Projects and Design Manager, Sustainability Champion and LEED Green Associate, Aer Rianta International Middle East. Tracy discussed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on airport travel retail and how customers are becoming more aware of their purchasing choices, especially when it comes to sustainability and environment. Customers are now better informed and are thinking about the impact of their shopping. According to Tracy, 85% are now looking for sustainable products sold in sustainable environments and 58% are shopping online. She also spoke about the importance of the “spirit of place”, bringing in the local culture to retail spaces within airports and paying homage to the local culture. Tracy finished by talking about the top trend on her radar: the metaverse and bringing the customer into your store, virtually pre-travel and the effect this will have on the industry, plus her prediction for the next era of travel post-2050.

Watch this exclusive interview now!