2011 Schiphol Consumers Awards

Last night saw this year’s edition of the annual ‘Schiphol Consumers Awards’ ceremony. The traditional awards ceremony offers the airport an opportunity to put a spotlight on business partners that have achieved exceptional results in the area of hospitality, innovation and quality.

"2011 saw a record number of 50 million passengers travelling to, from or via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. In addition to expanding our network from 301 to 313 direct destinations, initiatives such as the renovation of Lounge 3 contributed to our goal of remaining Europe's Preferred Airport. The current economic situation is uncertain. 2012 is set to be a challenging year in which we will have to continue bundling our strengths. We are confident we will be able to meet this challenge through constructive and inspirational cooperation with our business partners," said Maarten de Groof, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of Schiphol Group.

Corporate Responsibility Award

HMS Host was presented with the Corporate Responsibility Award by Lieke Vogels, director of FaiRSupport. The award, presented for the very first time this year, went to HMS Host in recognition of its dedicated efforts to introduce innovative organic food concepts. Corporate Responsibility is a core aspect of Schiphol’s strategy, and it is only fitting that the airport has chosen to present an award in this category.

Media Award

This year’s Media Award was presented to Johnnie Walker. Johnnie Walker received the award in recognition of its ‘Step Inside the Circuit’ promotional campaign. The campaign offered passengers an opportunity to discover the world of the Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes Formula 1 team and Johnnie Walker. Promotional activities included an F1 car on display in the terminal, and the deployment of interactive games and a racetrack at various locations.

Guest-friendliness Awards

Travellers chose the most hospitable and customer-friendly companies at the airport in three different categories. In the Retail category, passengers nominated Ralph Lauren in Lounge 1 and Gassan at Schiphol Plaza for a Guestfriendliness Award in recognition of their hospitality. The Services award went to the pharmacy in Schiphol Plaza. The Mc Donald’s restaurant in Lounge 3 and Délifrance at Schiphol Plaza won the Food Service Outlet award.

Innovation Award

This year’s Innovation award went to the BannerXpress automatic banner dispenser in Arrival Hall 2. People who come to the airport to meet passengers can use the BannerXpress to design and print their own personalised banner. The banner dispenser was developed by the Amsterdam-based company BannerXpress B.V. Schiphol is the first airport in the world to offer this service.

Growth Award

Service Point Schiphol Plaza was presented with the Growth Award. The new Service Point Schiphol Plaza – launched in February – achieved a highly impressive growth of 177%. Service Point Schiphol Plaza offers its customers a range of services including shoe repair, dry cleaning and a key service. Customers can also visit the Service Point to send mail items or purchase all commonly available phone cards.