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The big news of last week was Duty Free Americas‘ huge win of two of the three blocks of duty free space tendered by Panama’s Tocumen Airport, with Motta Internacional’s Attenza Duty Free retaining its contract for the third block up for bid. The Airport will be paid more than $370 million over the ten year life of the contracts. “We have been waiting 10 years to get in [to Tocumen],” DFA President Leon Falic tells TMI. Full story on page 1.
China’s HNA Group has completed its purchase of 16.2% of Dufry, bringing its total stake to nearly 21%. Dufry announces that the two companies are assessing possible areas of collaboration. Page 1.
Special Caribbean Feature:
The U.S. Virgin Islands is tackling its declining cruise ship numbers by forming a Task Force that is looking at introducing water taxis, while it also pursues a Main Street revitalization and harbor dredging. TMI’s Lois Pasternak speaks with former travel retailer and current Task Force member, Filippo Cassinelli, about the planned improvements. Page 2.
More Caribbean News.
St. Croix breaks ground on Frederiksted improvements. Page 3.
Jamaica on track for record cruise and tourism arrivals. Page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE.
Kate Spade fragrances names ACTIUM for TR Americas, the Caribbean and cruiselines. Page 3.
Maurer & Wirtz will treat visitors to Cannes to shave services at its pop-up Tabac Barbershop. Page 3.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka mixes craft and digitech as it expands in global travel retail. Page 4.
Diageo GTR launches Ciroc French Vanilla. Page 4.
