In this regular feature, we sit down with a member of the 2.0 & Partners team, to find out a bit more about who they are, what they do, and how they do it.
In this edition, we speak with Nevena Venter, Business Development & Project Management, Middle East
Please can you outline your background and experience within the industry?
I bring over 24 years of experience in project management, with the past 18 years dedicated to the aviation and travel retail sector in the Middle East. My career began in architecture and evolved into a specialisation in airport concessions planning, development, design and delivery.
Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of leading the design and delivery of some of the region’s most ambitious airport commercial programs, most notably the 35,000sqm travel retail and F&B offer at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Whether managing stakeholder coordination, overseeing the delivery of hundreds of commercial units, or refining the retail design and delivery processes, I’ve always approached every role with a drive for excellence and a strong focus on people and performance.
How did you come to be working with 2.0 & Partners?
After more than a decade immersed in the delivery of high-profile airport projects, I was looking to collaborate with a team that shared my vision for transforming airport spaces into more engaging, customer-centric environments.
I had long admired 2.0 & Partners’ work across Europe, and the opportunity to partner with them emerged naturally as they began expanding their presence in the Middle East. It felt like the perfect alignment of shared values and complementary expertise; combining their unique focus on travel retail experience with my regional insight and delivery background.
What makes travel retail such a unique and special market, in your opinion?
Travel retail sits at the intersection of multiple journeys: emotional, cultural, and physical. What makes it so special is that it’s a market that speaks to people in transition. They’re often in a heightened emotional state, more open to discovery, and more sensitive to how they’re treated.
It’s also a space where time, location, and atmosphere influence behaviour in profound ways. For this reason, every detail matters, from design to staff engagement. Unlike traditional retail, travel retail must cater to a global, constantly shifting audience. That’s both the challenge and the magic.
For you, what makes the perfect in-store experience in travel retail? What does great service look like in this market?
The perfect in-store experience is one that feels seamless, human, and relevant. In travel retail, time is limited, and customers are often distracted. Great service means anticipating needs before they’re expressed, with staff who are well-trained, culturally aware, and emotionally intelligent.
It’s not just about the transaction, but about creating a small moment of calm or delight in the airport journey. Great service respects the context – the traveller’s state of mind – and responds with warmth, speed, and expertise. When done well, it can create a memory that outlasts the trip itself.
You have a lot of experience in the Middle Eastern market, how big an opportunity do you think travel retail has for growth in that region?
The Middle East is one of the most dynamic travel retail markets in the world. With ambitious airport expansion plans, high passenger volumes, and a customer base that values luxury and service, the region holds exceptional potential.
However, the opportunity is not just in scale but in sophistication. Travellers in the region expect more: more personalisation, more innovation, more connection. For brands and operators willing to invest in experience and cultural understanding, the rewards are substantial.
There’s also a growing appetite for homegrown concepts and regional storytelling, which opens up exciting possibilities for a more diverse and locally resonant retail offer.
Where did your passion for travel retail come from?
My passion stems from a belief that commercial spaces within airports are more than just revenue generators, they are part of the passenger’s journey.
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful retail design, seamless delivery, and great service can transform a transit experience into something memorable. Working so closely on Zayed International Airport’s commercial program was a defining experience. It reaffirmed my passion for building environments where people feel seen, welcomed, and inspired – even if only for a few moments.
What does a ‘normal’ work day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same, which is what I love most about this field. One day might be spent reviewing design plans or working with stakeholders to troubleshoot delivery challenges; the next could involve training sessions with concessionaires or walkthroughs of operational spaces to refine the customer journey.
I always make time to connect with teams, listen to their insights, and ensure we’re aligning on both strategic goals and the finer details. Every task, no matter how big or small, contributes to the quality of the passenger experience, and that’s what keeps me motivated.
