OREANDA-NEWS. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to offer more than 30 concession locations - mostly in International Terminal D - for a variety of concessions outlets at the Airport. Some of the concepts DFW seeks to fill include duty free, premium retail, spa, Mediterranean grill, upscale Italian and four unique experiential bars. This RFP represents the first major revision of the Terminal D concessions program since the terminal opened in 2005.

"Our Terminal D concessions program has received numerous awards through the years," said Ken Buchanan, executive vice president of revenue management. "Now we are seeking to enhance our customer experience even more with new concepts that can help DFW compete on a global scale."

DFW Airport set a record for annual passengers with 62.9 million in 2014, and has increased its international service by adding 18 new nonstop destinations since 2011. DFW is one of a handful of airports in the world serving more than 200 destinations, with 55 international destinations and 147 domestic nonstop locations. Earlier this year, DFW became one of just 20 airports worldwide to accommodate the Airbus A380, significantly increasing the international customer base.

With these new customers in mind, DFW developed a new concessions master plan for Terminal D, which first opened in 2005. The Airport is seeking high-end retailers and restaurateurs to offer brands, food offerings and services that appeal to international customers. Businesses earning a spot at DFW would gain access to over 60 million customers who travel through DFW Airport each year.

"This is an exciting time for DFW Airport and our concession partners," said Buchanan. "Over the past few years, our tremendous international expansion has added to the number of passengers traveling through DFW Airport every day. We're looking forward to receiving proposals from the world's top duty-free shops, restaurants and retailers and offering our customers new and exciting choices to eat, shop and relax."

Retail and service opportunities in the released RFP include duty free, consumer electronics, news, coffee, convenience, spa, candy, premium retail and international and domestic teas.

The RFP also includes food and beverage opportunities, such as a Mediterranean grill, sports bar, snack, deli, upscale Italian, experiential or signature bar, pub, high-end bistro and wine bar.

Potential concessionaires attended a series of workshops and outreach events prior to the issuance of the RFP. During the workshops, DFW Concessions representatives provided airport demographic information, specifics about being located in an airport, tours of the identified duty-free areas, proposal requirements and additional details.

DFW Concessions' website, www.dfwairport.com/opportunities, has useful resources and information for responding concessionaires, including previous outreach presentations. The website also offers a database of businesses interested in partnering with other firms.

Most RFP responses are due by March 2, 2015. Responses for the Duty Free and the Premium Retail opportunities are due by April 2, 2015.