Airport Experience® News - Customer Service Issue 2023

LATEST BUZZ

local inclusion — not just Palm Springs, but the Coachella Valley and a greater regional area, which also includes what we call the High Desert,” says Meier of the airport’s new vendors. On the retail side, this means opening the Hey Joshua boutique — which will replace current boutique Desert News and features goods found in the national park — as well as a PGA pro shop and Uptown Essentials, a store featuring signature mid-century modern goods from businesses in the Uptown Palm Springs neighborhood. “In total, there are over 40 local regional businesses that are included in some way shape or form within the airport,” says Meier, who adds that the team is also in the process of installing its first-ever duty-free shopping area and several commemorative “I heart PSP” photo opportunities. “We have a lot of fun, local Palm Springs items and many Instagrammable moments.” Acknowledging the airport’s rise in popularity as both a leisure and “bleisure” destination, the PSP team is also in the process of putting together a future view master planning process to further modernize the airport, says Meier. In conjunction with local officials, the airport is currently requesting public feedback on a possible expansion. In the meantime, they’ve also started planning for a $29 million dollar baggage claim renovation, funded in part with $5.7 million from the 2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and expected to begin construction in 2024. The team believes that the continual evolution and modernization of PSP will cement its long legacy as a leisure travel destination far into the future, says Meier. Expanded retail, dining, and passenger areas will also increase

Right, Below: Nine Cities Craft and Vino Volo are being added to the concessions mix at PSP, replacing two existing concessions offerings

airport revenue, he adds, noting that “just having enough restaurant capacity so people actually can eat instead of skipping eating because a table is an hour and a half away,” will greatly improve both revenue and passenger experience. Local leaders agree, adding that they believe an updated PSP will add to the city’s visitor draw. Colleen Pace, chief sales and marketing officer for Visit Greater Palm Springs notes that the tourism group is “thrilled about the upcoming enhancements to the Palm Springs International Airport and the local

experiences that will be offered to visitors.” Citing that PSP was previously named one of the Best Small Airports in the U.S. by The Points Guy Readers’ Choice awards, “these new hyper-local offerings will help to make our airport an even more vibrant and inviting place when traveling to Greater Palm Springs,” she adds. “The expansion and revamping of all restaurants and shops at Palm Springs International Airport embodies our dedication to preserving our city’s character,” adds Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner. “Emphasizing local involvement ensures that our community is reflected throughout the airport, crafting a welcoming atmosphere that captures the warmth and authenticity of Palm Springs....” Creating that warm, authentic atmosphere in all the airport’s spaces is a sentiment that Meier and the PSP team hope to carry into all of their future planning. “We want to make sure that people feel our Valley’s vibe and experience from the time they step off the plane to when they get back on!”

Left: Cactus To Clouds is one of the new restaurants being added to the Palm Springs International lineup as the airport seeks to right-size its concessions program.

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AX NEWS CUSTOMER SERVICE ISSUE 2023