Palm Springs Airport looking to add new local shops and restaurants
Palm Springs International Airport wants to immerse you in the local experience by adding more local shops and restaurants.
PSP issued a nationwide Request for Proposals looking for bids from businesses, however, it is emphasizing the inclusion of local businesses.
The current restaurants at PSP have been there since early 2021, and the existing shops opened more than 5 years ago. None of the restaurants or shops are locally owned.
"This feels like an outdoor sort of, like resort type of airport to me, but it could be a resort airport anywhere," said traveler Lynn Rossetto. "There's so many amazing shops and restaurants in Palm Springs and as someone who actually spends quite a bit of time here, I would love to have a better option than we have right now."
The contract with the current operator ends on April 30, 2023, and construction work on new concession offerings will start in early May 2023.
PSP deputy director marketing Daniel Meier said it's all a part of their bigger expansion to meet the growing demand of travelers.
"Really pushing, trying to get as many local businesses to make them aware of this because we really want to have a lot of local inclusion if we can," said Meier. "So we want to replicate as best we can the whole Coachella Valley feel and vibe of a world-class destination and bring that in through the airport."
Officials at PSP said they want to create a high-quality experience for travelers by adding new designs that complement the mid-century modern design of the terminal.
“For the past several years, our airport shops and restaurants have not had a local feel,” said Executive Director of Aviation, Harry Barrett. “They are primarily concepts that have been used at other airports, or they have a generic any airport USA feel to them. With this new contract, we hope to bring in more local options and replicate that Palm Springs vibe that we’ve all come to love.”
The airport is hosting a pre-proposal meeting on July 18, and final proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on September 22.
Interested businesses can click HERE to see the official Request for Proposal and place a bid through the City of Palm Springs. Any questions can be asked to the City of Palm Springs procurement and contracting department at the number (760) 322-8368.
