Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 23 No. 18

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

In Breaking News announced this morning, the Biden administration is lifting the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for international travelers to U.S. effective Sunday, June 12. The travel and tourism industries had been heavily lobbying for the move.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow says that the repeal of the testing requirement for all inbound air travelers is projected to add 5.4 million visitors to the U.S. and $9 billion in travel spending through the remainder of 2022.

 “Today marks another huge step forward for the recovery of inbound air travel and the return of international travel to the United States. The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and accelerate the recovery of the U.S. travel industry,” said Dow in his statement.

The repeal of the inbound testing requirements is closely related to TMI’s lead story in this issue: the U.S. government has created a national four-point strategy to bring back tourists, and has set an ambitious goal of attracting 90 million international visitors to the United States each year. See full story on page 1.

In more important news for the industry, visitor registration has opened for Cannes 2022. See details and registration/information links on page 1.

The travel retail industry appears to be in full recovery mode, with major initiatives and investments launching to prepare for the return of international tourism.

Congratulations to DFS Group, which this week unveiled its new galleries and boutiques as it celebrates 50 years at San Francisco International Airport. Page 1 & 2. 

SUPPLY SIDE: BEAUTY

The Estée Lauder Companies opened a major new fulfillment and distribution center dedicated to Travel Retail in Switzerland, to accompany the growth of its future global travel retail business. Page 3

L’Occitane en Provence will rollout “nature positive” pop-up airport stores in key locations following successful Earth Day launch in Paris. Page 4.

Puig has acquired a majority stake in Swedish luxury brand Byredo. Page 4.

SUPPLY SIDE: SPIRITS

IWSR: Global beverage alcohol rebounds in 2021, value reaches US$1.17 trillion and reinforces alcohol’s resilience and status as an affordable luxury. Page 5.

Heineken Silver launches in the cruise and ferry sector. Page 5.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SPECIAL REPORT

Diageo World Class Cruise Bartender of the Year 2022 won by Virgin Voyages Edgar Pacheco in the cruise line’s first time competing. Page 6.