Avolta and utu Enhance Spending Power at Milan Airports with VAT Refund Innovation

Avolta, a global travel experience firm, and utu, a travel fintech company, have announced a pilot program to boost Duty-free shopping via improved VAT refunds at Milan’s Malpensa Terminal 1 and Linate airports. The scheme offers travelers 25% increased spending power by converting city-side VAT refunds into airside Duty-free vouchers.

The initiative, starting in June 2024, aims to redefine the retail journey by promoting VAT refunds as Duty-free vouchers in Milan. If successful, it will be extended globally, potentially increasing Avolta's sales worldwide.

Non-EU travelers can convert city-side VAT refunds to higher-value airside vouchers through utu’s web solution. They complete standard tax refunds before departure. The program targets the estimated $4 billion in unclaimed VAT refunds, boosting Avolta's Milan sales significantly.

Maurus Lienhard, Avolta's Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the alignment with their Destination 2027 strategy, aiming to enhance the travel experience. Ameer Jumabhoy, utu's Co-Founder, emphasized the untapped potential in travel retail, predicting significant industry growth.