India Report: India’s rapidly evolving travel retail sector

India’s travel retail sector is evolving rapidly, driven by rising disposable incomes, expanding international connectivity, and changing consumer behaviours.

Avolta’s Country General Manager for India, David Gray, discusses the impact of these trends, the growing demand for premium products, and how digitalisation is reshaping the traveller experience specifically at Kempegowda International Airport Bengalaru (KIAB).

In 2024, Avolta and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) officially opened the doors to their new retail and F&B offer at the airport in India’s high-tech capital of ‘Bangalore’.

The offer comprises two duty-free stores, covering more than 3,630sqm of retail space, and 15 F&B outlets in the airport’s new Terminal 2, which is heavily influenced by the local area.

The 1,740sqm walkthrough Departures store inspired by the Lablagh Botanical Gardens, while the 1,896sqm Arrivals store takes its visual cues from the high-rise urban centre of Bangalore.

In-keeping with BIAL’s “terminal in a garden” vision, the 14 new F&B spaces have followed this theme for their design, menu and storytelling.