The 298sq m Dufry arrivals store is situated in the restricted area of the international arrivals terminal. Source: Bali Ngurah Rai Airport.

Indonesia’s state-owned airport enterprise PT Angkasa Pura 1 has introduced arrivals duty free shopping at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali in a so-called ‘first’ for the country.

The 298sq m Dufry-operated store, which held its grand opening on Friday 13 April, is located in the restricted area of the international arrivals terminal under the direct supervision of customs and excise.

In a statement, Yanus Suprayogi, General Manager, Ngurah Rai International Airport said: “Before duty free on arrival, passengers will probably purchase at the duty free stores of origin countries. Of course this will add luggage to the cabin. With duty free on arrival, this becomes easier because it (shopping) can be done shortly after landing at the airport.

“The basic thinking is we want to provide ease and a pleasant experience to passengers visiting Bali. This is good for a first impression.”

PT Angkasa Pura 1 adds that it expects the new facility to further improve service quality and support across the airport.

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Robi Toni, Director of Customs comments that Indonesia can now compete with more than 50 other countries that have implemented arrivals duty free.

He adds that one week since (soft) opening, 85% of customer traffic has been international visitors and the remainder are Indonesian citizens.

Dufry won a five-year duty free contract at Bali in 2013 where it operates core concessions including perfumes & cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, confectionery and fine food.

Ngurah Rai International Airport grew its international visitor numbers by 17.4% in 2017 to total 5.9m, with Chinese passengers accounting for the highest share.

The airport also remains a popular destination for Australian and Indian travellers.