BRIEFS. economy

Airport duty free business takes off

LA PRENSA

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Travelers did more than catch flights when they used the Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen in 2007.

Business at the airport's duty free shops rose 35 percent last year, according to Eric Goldoni, commercial manager of the terminal area.

Part of this increase was due to heavier passenger traffic at the facility, which rose 18 percent. But, since sales outpaced growth in the number of passengers, it follows that people must also be buying more when they travel.

And they will soon have the opportunity to purchase an even greater range of goods.

Goldoni said that the airport is in the process of issuing more business licenses at the terminal. While he did not specify which companies have applied for those licenses, he did say that the areas to be expanded include food service, clothing and luggage and hand bags.

Currently, the terminal has space for six more businesses, but it can be expanded if demand continues to grow.