Techo International Airport’s Khmer-style exterior. (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Cambodia’s shiny $2 billion new air gateway, Techo International Airport, was inaugurated by the country’s prime minister on Monday, marking an aviation infrastructure milestone for one of Asia’s fastest-growing economic regions.
The opening of the Foster + Partners-designed gateway, the biggest in Cambodia, presents new opportunities for Lagardère Travel Retail in the region. It has, for the first time in Asia, introduced all elements of its offer—duty-free and fashion, travel essentials, and dining—at an airport with strong growth prospects.
With the restructuring of its China business causing a 50% drop in revenue in Q3, and subsequently a 5% decline in Asia-Pacific overall, Lagardère’s arrival at a big new airport in another part of the region will help to keep Asia-Pacific relevant as a revenue base. In 2024, the region only had a 6% share of the retailer’s income, down from 8% a year earlier.
Frédéric Chevalier, newly appointed CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail, said: “This inauguration marks a key milestone in Lagardère Travel Retail’s journey in Asia. It demonstrates our ability to rise to the challenge to deliver comprehensive, multi-line operations, working hand-in-hand with local partners. Our presence here reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of Cambodia and Southeast Asia.”
A significant new airport in Southeast Asia
Techo is said to be one of the world’s biggest airports by land area. It is located near the capital and biggest city Phnom Penh, and has an initial capacity of 13 million passengers per year. This is set to expand to 30 million after 2030, and up to 50 million by 2050. The gateway will be key to driving more tourism into Cambodia, and to support the air cargo business.
The terminal is distinct in its Khmer-inspired look (the Khmer Empire (9th–15th century) was a powerful civilization centered at Angkor). Lagardère Travel Retail has tailored its store designs and retail concepts to complement the terminal and to reflect Cambodian culture and heritage.
One of Lagardère’s nine duty-free stores at Techo using its Aelia fascia.
Lagardère Travel Retail
The retailer has also used local materials and patterns, and is selling products that are distinctly Cambodian. Local names such as Bodia, Senteurs d’Angkor, Kambio Nature, and Seekers Spirits are featured alongside delicacies like Kampot pepper, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.
The French travel retailer won the business last year via a 12-year contract awarded by Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC) to manage the airport’s entire commercial offer. Lagardère has partnered with local company HSC Group for the project.
Pung Kheav Se, CAIC Chairman, said that the combination of Lagardère’s French expertise and savoir-faire and Cambodian hospitality would enhance the airport retail experience for passengers.
Lagardère takes on a large retail footprint
The total retail and dining footprint is almost 40,000 square feet, made up of 17 stores and one restaurant spread across landside and airside areas of the terminal. The offer comprises:
• Nine duty-free shops, eight in the departures area and one in arrivals
• Two fashion multi-brand concepts called The Gallery and Eye Love and a dedicated branded APM Monaco boutique which sells fashion jewelry
• One airside Marché restaurant, a Lagardère own-brand
• Four stores from Relay (another Lagardère own-brand), and a Discover Cambodia shop, operated by franchise partner Monument Book.
Stefan Picard, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Cambodia, commented: “Techo Airport stands as a symbol of the country’s ambitions and growing presence on the regional tourism map. For our teams, this (project) represents both a challenge and an opportunity—to create a commercial offer that truly reflects Cambodia’s culture and identity, while providing international standards of excellence.”