Airport Authority Hong Kong has today awarded two bookshop licences to Page One and Relay to operate 13 outlets at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Page One will operate five outlets in Terminal 1 and one outlet in Terminal 2, while Relay will operate another seven outlets in Terminal 1.

‘Hong Kong International Airport is committed to maintaining and continually bringing in new additions of top local and international partners to enrich our existing range of high-quality products and services for our global visitors' benefit,’ said Eva Tsang, General Manager, Retail and Advertising, Airport Authority Hong Kong.

‘Our tender selection is based on thorough consideration of the needs and expectation of our visitors. We are certain our new partnership with Page One – the modern local bookshop brand, as well as Relay – the internationally-renowned bookstore with solid operating experience at HKIA, will provide more options to our passengers.’

Airport Authority added that books, magazines and newspapers have always been considered essential items for travellers. According to a retail survey conducted by Cimigo in October 2009, these items belong to the best selling category of products for departing passengers at HKIA.

The same survey also finds that over 80% of the overseas departing passengers are college or university educated, and nearly half of them are business professionals.

Airport Authority adds that with an average of four hours dwell time at HKIA, these passengers are most likely to spend money on reading materials to help pass the time.