The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this letter as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click here.
TMI wishes a safe and happy Independence Day to all our American readers.
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report and partner FILTR.QINGWA have announced that registration for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2021, running from October 11-15, 2021, is officially open via https://event.virtualtrexpo.com/registration/. The organizers have also unveiled the first renderings of the enhanced platform that will host the event.
The second edition of the global travel retail channel’s virtual trade event is followed by a six-week complimentary ‘encore’ access for exhibitors and visitors.
All registered buyers will be automatically entered into two Dubai Duty Free prize draws each week from now until the start of the live event. The prizes are tickets to DDF’s iconic Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws with chances to win US$1 million or a luxury car respectively. Please register here.
MEADFA, meanwhile, has announced a return to an in-person Middle East and Africa Conference that will take place in Dubai on November 21-23. See page 1-2 for more details.
ETRC. And in Europe, Nigel Keal has been unanimously re-elected as President of the European Travel Retail Confederation. Page 7.
Now to the News:
Despite a continuing opening of travel venues as the world rushes to vaccinate, global economies will be feeling a serious impact from the global pandemic for many years to come. A joint report between the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecast that the global economy could lose as much as US$4 trillion in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19 on tourism. Page 1.
Furthermore, new forecasts from Airports Council International warn that airports will need nearly US$2.5 trillion in capital investments if it is to meet projected passenger demand to 2040. See full story on page 3.
AIRPORTS/AVIATION
Miami International Airport Director Lester Sola resigns. Page 3.
TSA reports highest passenger traffic in U.S. since pandemic began. Page 3.
CRUISE
MSC Cruises has not only been in the vanguard of returning to sea, but it has recently launched ground-breaking new ships, cut the steel on its second LNG-powered vessel, and unveiled its new luxury cruise line, Explora.
Its latest flagship, the MSC Virtuosa, which was the first ship to sail in UK waters in 14 months when it launched in May, also boasts the largest shopping area at sea. MSC Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway talks about the changes that the cruise line has made due to the pandemic, and how retail onboard has become more important as sailing resumes. His very interesting interview begins on page 5.
KEY WEST UPDATE.
When voters in Key West, Florida chose to drastically restrict the numbers of cruise ship calls and passenger embarkations in a referendum last November, the industry took note. Key West is the busiest cruise transit port in the U.S. and the new measures would have eliminated 95% of the cruise ship calls and result in a 98% decline in passengers. But Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill earlier this week that overturns the voter-approved limits, in a decision that determines who has authority to regulate international shipping in local waters. See page 6 for more details.
SUPPLY SIDE
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Macallan unveils GTR exclusive Concept No. 3. Page 4.
More Spirits News
Gosling-Castle Partners and MONARQ Group expand distribution partnership to USA Duty Free.
Page 7
Edrington Americas appoints Juan Gentile’s new Distribution Spirits Company (DISC) as strategic partner for Caribbean markets except Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Page 7
Amazon-inspired Canaïma Gin launches with Penha Duty Free in the Caribbean.
Page 8
