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TIA Marriott, concessions revenues down from last year

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 2, 2009

TAMPA - The poor economy continues to take its toll at Tampa International Airport, where gross concessions revenue declined 8.7 percent in May compared with a year ago, to $33.6 million, a report released this morning stated.

That compares with a 10.8 percent decline in departing passengers in May to 729,629.

Concession revenue is important to travelers and the airport alike. Leases and other non-aviation revenue sources account for 74 percent of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority's annual revenue,

That keeps the airlines' share for landing fees and terminal leases relatively low, enticing carriers to maintain and expand service locally, which promotes competition and lower air fares.

Tampa International ranked 25th lowest in fares among the top 250 U.S. markets in 2008, with an average fare including round-trips of $258, versus $302 for all airports.

Parking revenue, the airport's largest income segment, declined 18.4 percent In May compared with a year ago, to $4.3 million, while revenue at the airport Marriott Hotel fell 29.3 percent to $1.2 million.

Carrabbas restaurant, which replaced The Wharf in the main terminal in December, reported $281,456 revenue compared with $134,762 by The Wharf a year ago.

The airport's food and beverage revenue dropped 6.6 percent to $4.2 million; merchandise revenue dropped 2.6 percent to $2.3 million and car rentals dropped 5.8 percent to $20.9 million, among other segments.

The poor economy has helped the airport in one way, however. Contractors continue to do projects for less than what airport officials expected. One example is a taxiway reconstruction project to be completed this summer that will cost $20.7 million compared with original budget expectations of $31.5 million.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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