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Today’s issue is filled with more positive news than the industry has seen in many months.
An in-person TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes seems closer to reality as many leading brands confirm plans to exhibit. Page 2.
Regionally, ETRC, the European Travel Retail Confederation, has appointed advocacy specialist Ricardo Oliviera as Senior Counsel to advise on regulatory matters. Page 2.
CRUISE & CARIBBEAN
Celebrity celebrates. “Someday is here.” With that one-line tweet Celebrity Cruises CEO and President Lisa Lutoff-Perlo announced that the Celebrity Edge will be the first cruise from U.S. waters in more than a year. A few days later, sister cruise brand Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it had received CDC approval for a test cruise from PortMiami on June 20-22. See more details on page 1.
Norwegian Cruises Holding also announced its expected return to cruising for its three cruise brands – NCL, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, starting with an Alaska cruise on the Norwegian Bliss from Seattle in August. Page 2.
CDC. Helping make the cruise restart more of a real possibility, the CDC issued new guidelines that gives cruise lines more freedom in deciding on mask and social distancing protocols. Page 2.
Major Caribbean resorts are reopening throughout the region, many with significant refurbishments and upgrades. Baha Mar, for example, unveils a new luxury beachfront waterpark, Baha Bay, that will open on July 2. Page 2.
AIRPORTS & CONCESSIONS
San Francisco International Airport opens seven new gates at its new Harvey Milk Terminal 1. Page 3.
LAX celebrates the dedication of $1.7 billion state-of-the-art West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal. Page 4.
Fraport Maryland opens three new dining and retail concepts that bring more local flavor for travelers at Baltimore/Washington International. Page 3.
In a serious development, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reports that Mexico does not meet ICAO’s safety standards and has downgraded Mexico’s rating to Category 2 from Category 1. Read more on page 3.
Three U.S. states—Florida, Texas and Arizona – are seeing a significant uptick in international travel as people cone to the States to receive a vaccine against COVID-19, reports ForwardKeys, See page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE
Victorinox has updated a classic, introducing a vibrant new multi-tool collection complemented by matching cases and pouches in various shapes and sizes that is aimed at younger consumers and Victorinox fans. Page 5.
Amber Beverage Group has appointed Huber Brands to expand distribution in the U.S. travel retail and duty free channel. Page 5.
