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We wish everyone gathering in Singapore for the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference and Trade Show a very successful convention!
UPDATE: Cayman Island voters firmly rejected the proposal on whether or not the island should construct fixed cruise ship piers during a national referendum on April 30, 2025. Nearly two-thirds, 64.5%, of voters rejected the controversial plan in a public referendum that accompanied the country’s April 30 general elections. Despite a huge campaign waged by proponents of the initiative, only 28.8% supported the pier proposal.
Global travel has reached a milestone! We start off this week’s edition of Travel Markets Insider with the latest KPI Monitor from the Duty Free World Council and m1nd-set, which tracks air traffic and shopping behavior in the first quarter of 2025. The good news is that international passenger traffic has finally recovered from the impact of COVID-19, and in fact has surpassed the pre-pandemic 2019 benchmark in all world regions, including Asia Pacific. See more findings on pages 1 & 2.
EARNINGS
Gebr. Heinemann prevails in a “complex environment,” turning in a 21% increase in turnover for fiscal 2024. Further details on page 2.
CONCESSIONS
Avolta wins more contracts at JFK, this time at Terminal 5 with new dining, retail and a video gaming experience. This latest agreement further expands Avolta’s footprint at JFK, adding to its recent contracts for nine dining venues in Terminal 4 and retail and F&B concessions in Terminal 8. With existing operations in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8, Avolta is set to grow even further with new locations planned for Terminal 6 in late 2025. Page 3.
CRUISE
Harding+ brings exclusive Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection to Carnival Cruise Line retail stores. Page 3.
Port Canaveral – the second busiest cruise port in the world – has announced that it is investing $500 million in upgrades and enhancements, as it expands capacity and capabilities across all aspects of its operations. Page 4.
NCL’s newest ship, the Prima-Plus Class Norwegian Aqua, kicks off its inaugural season from its home port at Port Canaveral. Page 4.
PEOPLE
Coty has promoted Mette Engell as Senior Vice President of Global Travel Retail. Page 4.
Adam Moss has joined Suntory Global Spirits as North American Airport and Border Lead, after spending the past decade with Brown-Forman. Page 4.
IN THE TMI SPOTLIGHT
IFE Lux Group partners with Avolta to expand Made in Italy Rebecca Jewelry in Americas travel retail. After testing well in Mexico duty free, the stakeholders are discussing regional expansion. Story on page 5.
SUPPLY SIDE
Luxury ABSOLU fragrances from Canada launch exclusively for GTR. Page 5.
New global wine company Vinarchy combines Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses. The new company immediately becomes one of the world’s largest specialist wine businesses, with more than AU$1.5 billion in annual net sales revenue. See further details on page 6.
Blue Caterpillar has signed a distribution agreement with Two Drifters Distillery to bring their carbon negative rum to global travel retail and domestic markets in the Americas. Story on page 6.
