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International aviation took an interesting turn in 2019. Passenger travel as measured by journeys grew faster than global economic growth but significantly slower than the trend over the past decade, according to flight tracking agency ForwardKeys.
The research firm is more optimistic for the immediate future, however, reporting that 1Q 2020 bookings are more than 8% ahead of where they were this time last year.
See details on page 1.
Paraguay’s Asuncion airport has announced that it will be building a second terminal with the goal to increase capacity from the current 1.5 million to 6 million. In addition, the authority is planning to tender for a single duty free operator, rather than using three as is now the case. John Gallagher reports on page 1.
Congratulations to Argentina-based duty free operator London Supply which has raised more than three quarters of a million dollars at this year’s Charity Golf Tournament. Full story on page 2.
TFWA has strengthened its network in Asia with the opening of a new office in Shanghai. Page 2.
CANADA. Duty free land border sales in Canada rose slightly in the first half of 2019, reports the Frontier Duty Free Association in newly released data. Details on page 3.
PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS
See pages 3 & 4
CLIA is growing its European presence and has hired Julie Green as VP of Strategic Communications. She is currently based in London.
Furla names a new Head of Travel Retail.
Mariela Castillo joins Swarovski.
Deluxe Americas has been named exclusive agent for ASSOULINE in Latam and the Caribbean.
Marmol & Son, LLC launches “greener” packaging for its licensed fragrances.
3Sixty Duty Free CFO Philip Hancock named to IAADFS Board of Directors.
SUPPLY SIDE NEWS
Duty Free Dynamics launches Timex watches with Attenza Duty Free in El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia and Panama. Page 3.
Clinique names Emilia Clark as first Global Brand Ambassador for skincare & makeup. Page 4.
IWSR: Wine consumption in U.S. declines for first time in 25 years; Tito’s topples Smirnoff as top-selling spirit in the country. Page 4.
Meanwhile, in travel retail, Tito’s spurs sales with its Ugly Sweater Hoodie treatment!
Viktor&Rolf launch limited edition travel retail exclusive Flowerbomb, In The Sky, beginning in the UK next month. Page 5.
Pernod Ricard research reiterates the importance of gifting in travel retail. Page 6.
GIVING BACK
TOMS and Duty Free Dynamics, which distributes TOMS shoes in the Caribbean travel retail market, “Stand for Tomorrow” as TOMS reports its charitable efforts have impacted 96.5 million people around the world. See story on page 5.
