Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 18 No. 46

The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.

To begin, congratulations to our friends at PPI Group, custom publishers and producer of Porthole Cruise Magazine, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, the Group has set itself the goal of trying to break a Guinness World Record for “Fitting the Most People in an Interior Cruise ship Cabin.” Oh my! This must stem from founder Bill Panoff’s early career as a shipboard magician. The world record attempt, which will take place aboard a cruise ship docked in South Florida later this year, will include PPI Group executives, employees and their families, cruise guests and crew members. We wish them success. For more information, go to PPIGroup.com

In much more somber news, TMI is very sad to announce the passing of Jim Reisgl on June 20. Jim, along with his son James and wife Lynn, created some of the most innovative and iconic point of sale displays and marketing for spirits and other categories throughout the region from their company Reisgl Associates. Please see more information on page 1.
In today’s lead story, airport retail developer Airmall USA is celebrating its 25th anniversary in business in North America with a new name and identity – the pioneer of modern airport retail programs in the US is ushering in a new chapter in its development with a name change to Fraport USA. Page 1.
In a not so positive move, three cruise ships are reportedly pulling out of Jamaica’s Falmouth Port due to visitor harassment and other issues. The change in scheduling could cost the island as much as 10,000 visitors per week and significant monetary losses. TMI will continue reporting on this developing story. Page 1.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY. 
Dufry Group is making an all-out effort in support of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals awareness campaign, and will be introducing a range of advertising campaigns and engagement activities through more than 80 airports in five continents. Page 2.
PEOPLE.
DFASS names former Nuance head Roberto Graziani as Executive Vice Chairman. Page 2.
Also, new senior positions for Alexandre Tabacoff with Dufry, Javier Brandwain with fashion brand 7 For All Mankind, and Paola Pinto with Pernod Ricard. Page 1.
BY THE NUMBERS.
The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows that international tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 6% in January-April 2017 compared to the same period last year, and that business confidence is at its highest levels in a decade. Full story on page 3.
The results are not so optimistic in the U.S. though, where the US Department of Commerce reports that international travel to the U.S. fell by 5% in December, and was down 2.4% for the year. For a full breakdown by region see page 3.
AT THE POINT OF SALE.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, working first with Dufry, is targeting millennials at Las Vegas McCarren International Airport with an appealing pop-up bar made from copper accents to reflect the craft spirit’s traditional copper-pot sills. Tito’s also celebrated the 4th of July by partnering with U.S. embassies and on-trade customers around the world for themed festivities and launched special limited edition red, white and blue burlap bag packaging in travel retail that pays homage to the American flag. Story on page 4.
L’Oreal launched Polo Red Extreme, the latest fragrance for men from Ralph Lauren, with an adrenaline-inducing virtual reality “extreme” event in Argentina’s Ezeiza Airport in May. Retailtainment surges ahead. Page 4.

ASSOCIATION NEWS.

TFWA announces a digital focus for the 2017 Cannes workshops. See schedule on page 5.