Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 22 No. 14

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

Everyday seems to usher in a few more hints of recovery hovering closer.
In Breaking News, Duty Free Americas has announced that it launched a Huda Beauty corner in its 11,500 square foot store in the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel, making it only the world’s second travel retail company to offer Huda Beauty products.
Launched by award-winning beauty blogger Huda Kattan in 2013, Huda Beauty is one of the world’s fastest-growing beauty brands, and is said to be #1 Beauty Instagram account in the world with over 26 million followers and counting. Read the full story on the TMI website here
One of the biggest news breakthroughs last week came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has eased its stance on allowing the cruise industry in the United States to restart. In a letter to cruise-industry executives last week, the CDC affirms that cruise operations in U.S. waters could restart by mid-July, if vaccination requirements are met and depending on the pace and compliance of the cruise lines with the CDC’s Framework for Conditional Sailing Order. More details on page 1.

SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
IAADFS and ASUTIL have issued a statement expressing their appreciation of the support shown by exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, media and especially its partners during the Virtual 2021 Summit of the Americas in April. Page 1. Continuing our coverage of the CEO interviews in the View from the Top segment, TMI presents highlights from the presentation by Roel Huinink, President & CEO of JFKIAT, the operator of Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport in New York. Huinink talks about the search for a better airport retail concession and the importance of a strong terminal community. See page 2.


A GLOBAL MOVE 

In a major move for the company, Essence Corp. has been appointed by Bath & Body Works as its Travel Retail Global Distributor, which will be the Miami-based company’s first foray into markets outside of the Americas. Essence Corp.’s Vice President of Sales Antoine Bona speaks with TMI about the company’s plans to handle this expanded business. See full story on page 3. 

AIRPORTS

In airport news from around the world, UK retailer Dixon’s announced it will close all 35 of its airport stores; the UK Travel Retail Forum reacts. Page 4.
On the positive side, the European Commission said that Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to visit the EU this summer. Page 4.
In the U.S., Hudson unveils its second Hudson Nonstop shop that uses Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. The store will open later this year at Chicago Midway International Airport. Airport operator Fraport is also gearing up for higher traffic levels. In Pittsburgh, Fraport is hosting a retail concessions job fair on May 11; and at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Fraport is holding Launch Pad BWI 2021, inviting small and minority business to explore concession opportunities at the airport. Page 5 


SUPPLY SIDE/PEOPLE
Independent distiller Loch Lomond has snapped up experienced fashion specialist Catherine Bonelli to be Managing Director of Global Travel Retail. Bonelli is well known in TR following senior roles at Italian fashion house Paul & Shark and Lacoste.
Bonelli is replacing well-known André de Almeida, who has joined Secret Garden Distillery as Managing Director. See both stories on page 6.
Looking for an exciting new beauty product? Alchemy Americas is introducing the revolutionary SL Lashes to LATAM and Caribbean markets. A French brand favored by Kourtney Kardashian, the best-selling magnetic eye lashes have brought in more than $17 million in revenue online over the past two years. Read more details on page 6.