The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.
In today’s issue, TMI takes a broader international perspective beyond the Americas and pays tribute to the stunning results reported by Dubai Duty Free, which reached US$1.6 billion in sales in 2012. To sweeten the results even further, the new sales record was announced on January 2, the day that DDF welcomed its first customers during the phased opening of its new retail operation in Concourse A, which is dedicated to the Emirates A380 fleet. Congratulations all around for a spectacular performance. Full story begins on page 1.
TMI is deeply saddened to report the death of industry pioneer Wolfgang Uhlig of Fairn & Swanson. A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Jan. 21, in Oakland, California. We add our deepest condolences to those of the industry to the family and staff of all the Fairn & Swanson and Baha Duty Free companies. See page 2 for further details.
In more PEOPLE news, John McDonnell is promoted to President, International at Patron Spirits; David Ferreira is named Head of Global Travel Retail at A.T.Cross; and Miami-based Areas USA names a new VP of Airport Operations.
Also, Canadian duty free sales showed nice gains across the board in November; Brazil eases restrictions on where Arrivals Duty Free shops can be located in an airport; and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Boston Logan airports open some exciting new retail concepts in association with The Paradies Shops, AIRMALL USA and Hudson Group.
TMI‘s special feature to kick off the new year focuses on the inauguration of the Janet Sheed Roberts Residential School for Special Needs Children in Ramnagar, India — which was funded through the efforts of industry networking group WiT (Women in Travel) and the amazing generosity of the global travel retail industry.