Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 15 No. 29

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

 

As much of the industry that serves Latin America gets ready for the 2013 ASUTIL Conference that takes place later this week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Grupo Wisa unveils details about its new arrivals store opening in Rafael Nunez International Airport in Cartagena, Colombia in July.  Get a sneak peek at the operator’s plans for the airport in TMI’s feature Retail Feature on page 1.

 

Infrastructure. St. Kitt’s has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with US construction firm Jay Cashman, Inc. to build a second pier at the island’s booming Port Zante. More details on page 1.

 

In addition, the English-speaking CARICOM countries are set to get a US$ 3 billion infusion of cash for more needed infrastructure development from China, it was announced during a meeting held with China’s President Xi Jingping in Trinidad last week.

 

Two major travel retail supplier events took place in the spirits sector in the Americas last week.

 

Diageo held its final event in its annual World Class Reserve “Best Bartender in the World” competition for the travel retail sector (GTME) with the four winning contenders from Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line in an ultra-glamorous event in Miami on June 7. The winner now goes on to compete against the world’s best bartenders from more than 50 countries at the World Class Global Final on July 4-9. Lois Pasternak reports from Miami. Full story on page 2.

 

Beam kicked off the North American airport launch its exclusive duty free offering, Courvoisier’s Le Voyage de Napoleon collection,  with a special event at JF Kennedy Airport Terminal 1 with International ShoppesTMI’s Michael Pasternak was on hand to help celebrate. See page 3.

 

Beauty Brands.  Estée Lauder‘s premium skincare brand, La Mer, is celebrating World Oceans Day 2013 (officially on June 8) by supporting two prominent ocean conservation groups. See how on page 4.

 

Lancôme’s limited edition make-up collaboration with whimsical fashion designer Alber Elbaz – set to be onshelf on June 15 – released a special teaser video on YouTube from the designer in advance of the actual launch. Page 4.

 

Accessories. Fendi signs a new 9-year licensing agreement with Safilo for sunglasses and optical frames.

 

Numbers. Mexican airport group ASUR shows strong gains for the year to date.