In a major breaking news story, China Tourism Group Duty Free (CTG Duty-Free) will acquire DFS’ stores in Hong Kong and Macau and intangible assets in Greater China. The new “definitive agreement” was announced today in a joint statement by DFS, parent company LVMH andDFS’ co-founder and shareholder Robert Miller, and Beijing-based CTG Duty-Free. Through this transaction, CTG […]
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Avolta: enhancing the passenger journey with seamless integration of retail, F&B, and travel essentials businesses
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Blue Caterpillar rides relationships to continued growth in Americas and beyond
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Working together to transform TR with innovation and engagement
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ARINA grows Canadian business even as U.S./Canada tensions disrupt cross border travel
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Cellshop transforms Paraguayan border shopping as it expands into new cities
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Starboard to debut vibrant, immersive “concept gallery” retail experience aboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady
Ashish Gandham appointed Suntory Oceania Managing Director
Suntory Oceania has announced the appointment of Ashish Gandham as Managing Director, Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania. Gandham currently serves as Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits Global Travel Retail in Singapore. No replacement has yet been appointed for the GTR role. The company says GTR remains a top priority for Suntory Global Spirits, and […]
Ghost Tequila names John McDonnell Executive Chairman
Boston-based Ghost Tequila has announced the appointment of John McDonnell as Executive Chairman of the Board. Until recently, McDonnell served as Managing Director, International, at Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Over his 12-year tenure he led the expansion of the brand from a handful of North American markets to nearly 150 countries and islands worldwide and distribution […]
René Machon joins Blue Caterpillar as Commercial Director Europe
International boutique spirits distribution company Blue Caterpillar has announced the appointment of René Machon as Commercial Director Europe as of January 1st 2026. Based in Hamburg, Germany, Machon will lead Blue Caterpillar’s European expansion and development efforts. René Machon brings more than 20 years of international experience in the spirits industry, with a strong focus […]
DFS to close all Hawaii stores after 63 years
Following a tenure of 63 years in business, DFS has announced that it is closing its three stores in Hawaii this year. The company has confirmed to travel retail media that it will close its Waikiki downtown store on January 28 and its Honolulu Inter-national Airport store on March 31. It will also be closing its […]
OAG: Canada continues to reduce airline capacity to the U.S.
The traditional “snowbird” winter season of travel between the United States and Canada continues to be impacted negatively by Canadian sentiment to actions by the current U.S. administration, with airlines adjusting capacity downwards, reports OAG. Canadian airlines have reduced USA-bound capacity by nearly 10% for Q1 2026, representing 450,000 seats. Capacity shifts away from traditional […]
TFWA reveals “New Era of Innovation” theme of reimagined Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference for 2026
TFWA says that it is set to redefine the future of travel retail with the launch of a completely reimagined TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2026, taking place in Singapore from May 10-14. Designed to inspire, connect, and elevate the industry, the new edition introduces concepts that expand both the business and creative potential […]
Jim Beam shuts down production at one of its Kentucky distilleries for 2026
Jim Beam has announced that is it halting production at one of its distilleries in Kentucky for at least a year. Bourbon makers across the country have been reacting to declining drinking and tariffs. Monthly data released by the Treasury Department showed that through August, whiskey distillers had produced under 142 million proof gallons, 55 […]
LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal to modernize in time for 2028 Olympic Games
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has announced plans and unveiled renderings for the modernization of the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The project received approval from the Board of Airport Commissioners at the Dec. 18 meeting, allowing construction to begin in January 2026, and be completed in time to welcome […]
Avolta wins 10-year contracts for Hudson and HMSHost at Palm Beach International
Avolta’s Hudson division has been awarded a 10-year contract to develop four specialty retail and travel convenience stores at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), as the airport undergoes a significant expansion and modernization program. Beginning in 2026, Hudson will begin to unveil its new retail program, which will bring a hyper-local, artfully curated shopping experience […]
PortMiami sets new passenger record
PortMiami set another passenger record for its Fiscal Year 2025, while also achieving significant cargo performance. PortMiami welcomed a record 8,564,225 cruise passengers in FY 2025, up from 8,233,056 the previous fiscal year, a 4.02% increase the highest annual passenger count in the seaport’s history. The port also recorded a significant cargo performance, reporting 2.35% […]
Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 27 No. 1
The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this letter as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click here There is a saying in the Caribbean that when the U.S. sneezes, the islands catch a cold … or worse. It appeared that the Caribbean might suffer a full-blown’ flu epidemic’ at the start of the year, […]
IAADFS & ‘KickCancerThon’: Uniting the global travel retail Industry to fight Cancer
The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) today announced that it is formally partnering with GO2 for Lung Cancer to participate in a landmark fundraiser that embraces the spirit of the KickCancerThon. KickCancerThon, a global movement to raise funds to fight cancer, and raise awareness while fostering a sense of global unity, […]
3Sixty Duty Free announces Gary Cavanagh as new president of operations
3Sixty Duty Free has appointed Gary Cavanagh as President of Operations, effective January 5, 2026. Gary will succeed Alexander (Alex) Anson-Esparza, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2019 and will be leaving the company at the end of the year for personal reasons. Previously holding senior executive roles with The Nuance Group, Dufry, and Gebr. […]
Campari Group brings Aperol and Espolòn Tequila to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay
Campari Group Global Travel Retail (GTR) Americas and Royal Caribbean marked a milestone in their partnership during Royal Caribbean’s 2025 President’s Cruise, unveiling a first-ever activation at the vacation brand’s exclusive destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. On September 24, Oasis Lagoon – the destination freshwater pool – and Hideaway Beach, the island’s adults-only area, were […]
