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The 2018 Orlando
Women in Travel Retail Networking Cocktail meeting
will take place on
SUNDAY evening,
March 18, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
at the Marriott Spa Pool area (West Terrace).
Just prior to the official Opening Cocktail,
which begins at 7:00 p.m.
Cocktails are being generously provided by
EDRINGTON AMERICAS TRAVEL RETAIL
All women in the industry are invited to attend.
Please be sure to help support our Silent Auction and raffle draw.
All donations gratefully accepted.
This year, for the first time, women in the industry will have the opportunity to officially join WiTR.
Go to www.womenintr.com,
and follow the easy instructions to become a member.
Please RSVP to Lois Pasternak at
Our news today covers all corners of the Americas!
From the Caribbean, the CTO reports that tourism reached a milestone 30+ million stay-over visitors for the first time, even after the devastating impact of two major hurricanes on some of the main tourism destinations in the region in the second half of the year. See full story on page 1.
In related news, industry stakeholders continue to send support to the people on the Caribbean islands so badly damaged in September. Today TMI features the efforts of sunglasses company Costa del Mar, wines & spirits supplier Stansfeld Scott and its trading partners, and the Belize Tourism Board, which was able to raise nearly $60,000, one dollar at a time. More details on page 4.
In news from South America, the Brazilian government is reportedly seriously considering raising the duty free allowance for inbound air passengers, from the current $500 limit to as high as $900. ASUTIL Secretary General Jose Luis Donagaray and Brazil-based retail and operations consultant Marcos Reis discuss the possibilities with TMI. Coverage begins on page 1.
From Brazil, we go to Hawaii, where Governor David Ige has unveiled plans to build a badly needed new $1.1 billion concourse at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Page 2.
Next we look at Canada, where tourism officials are celebrating their highest number of tourism arrivals ever in 2017 – 20.8 million – which surpasses the previous record set way back in 2002 by nearly one million. Unfortunately, the rise in tourists to Canada did not translate into higher sales at the land border duty free stores. See results on page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE
As we count down to the inaugural Summit of the Americas, TMI presents previews from Lambretta Watches, which recently paid tribute to the brand’s 70th Anniversary in Cannes, and will present its latest collections inspired by the iconic Italian scooter that shares its name. Page 3.
Morgan & Oates, the UK fashion brand renowned for its cashmere and fine wool scarves and accessories, is making its debut in the Americas TR channel. Page 4.
Both brands are represented in the region by International Brand Builders Inc. (IBBI).
