Four companies want Tocumen duty free concessions

FOUR INTERNATIONAL operators of duty free stores want to participate in bidding for concessions at Tocumen International Airport. The authority is seeking to sign two companies.

Concessions for  the two current  operating  companies Waked International, S.A. (WISA) and Motta International expire in December.  Tht companies were awarded 10-year contracts in 2007 for $173 million qach  for control of 1,500 square meters in the terminal.

The inclusion of Wisa on the Clinton list, for alleged involvement in laundering drug money  has changed  the plans of the terminal authorities.

Due to its inclusion on the list, Wisa establishments cannot perform transactions with U.S. companies, a situation that has affected the operation of the company which cannot accept creditcards and must  receive payments only in cash

Airport Manager Joseph Fidanque III said that four international companies have approached his office with an interest in participating in the tender.

Among these firms are the Swiss Dufry group, considered the largest operator of duty-free stores in airports around the world, as well as the German company Heinemann Duty Free.

The others are the American firm Duty Free America, which operates at the Miami International Airport, and Motta International, which wants to renew its concession.

.