A concessionaire, commonly known as a concessioner, refers to an individual, organization, or company that has been granted a contractual agreement or license to operate a particular business or service in a specific location or facility, usually under the jurisdiction of a government agency or authority. The process of awarding a concession is known as a concession agreement or contract.
Concessioners are typically responsible for providing and managing various types of amenities, facilities, or services in public areas such as national parks, airports, sports stadiums, entertainment venues, or tourist attractions. These may include food and beverage services, retail stores, camping grounds, hotels, recreational activities, transportation services, and many others.
Concessioners usually pay a fee, royalties, or a percentage of their sales to the government agency or authority that grants the concession. In return, they enjoy the exclusive right to operate their business within the designated area for a specified period. This business model enables the government to transfer the responsibility of managing and providing services to specialized private entities, benefiting from their expertise and allowing for better customer experiences.
Concession agreements often come with various requirements and quality standards that concessioners must meet to maintain the contract, including customer satisfaction, environmental sustainability, safety regulations, and financial performance. They are critical contributors to the overall experience and functionality of public spaces, enhancing visitor attractions and generating revenue for both the concessioner and the government entity.
