Lagardère Travel Retail enters Albania with duty-free operations at Tirana International Airport

ALBANIA. Lagardère Travel Retail has launched duty-free operations at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, materialising a strategic partnership with the Kastrati Group initiated in October 2023.

Under the agreement, Lagardère Travel Retail becomes the exclusive duty-free operator at Tirana International Airport.  

The partnership comes as Albania sees rapid growth in tourism, with the sector’s economic contribution doubling in 2023.

Lagardère Travel Retail is introducing a diverse range of products and services, blending international standards with offerings that highlight Albanian culture. 

Lagardère Travel Retail Chairman and CEO Dag Rasmussen commented: “We are thrilled to bring our global expertise to support Albania’s growth and tourism development.  

“This partnership with the Kastrati Group reflects our shared ambition to create exceptional travel retail experiences that combine the best of international and local offerings.” 

Tirana International Airport Administrator Marsida Pallko remarked: “Collaborating with Lagardère Travel Retail is a significant step forward for TIA.  

“Their experience and approach to travel retail will undoubtedly enhance the airport’s commercial offer and provide an elevated experience for our passengers.  

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for Albania and for TIA as we continue to grow.” 

Following the official handover of operations this month, Lagardère Travel Retail will begin upgrading the retail space at Tirana International Airport.  

This includes refurbishment of the existing duty-free store starting March and preparing for a terminal expansion to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.

According to Lagardère, Tirana International Airport has recorded the highest traffic growth in Europe over the past two years.