Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 5

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 a developing story, Canada’s Frontier Duty Free Association late on Wednesday issued a statement informing its land border duty free operator members that the Canadian Government’s new Federal Budget includes an unexpected 40% increase on the excise tax on tobacco products. The FDFA is greatly concerned about the impact this huge increase will have on revenues and jobs, and warns that the new prices could likely drive consumers to illicit markets. The full FDFA statement is on page 1.

Meanwhile, in Europe, good news comes from the ETRC (European Travel Retail Council) which reports that the European Parliament voted against the One Bag Rule that limits the number of bags an air passenger may carry onboard, and also says that a passenger’s right to carry travel retail purchases onboard should be protected. More details on Page 2.

TFWA has revealed the high level Keynote Speakers for the upcoming Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition taking place in Singapore from May 11-15, 2014. See page 2.

In more Association News, registration for the 2014 ASUTIL Conference will open on Thursday, Feb. 13. The Conference will take place at the Hilton Mexico City Reform Hotel from June 4-7. See registration details on page 1.

FDFA announces that registration is also now open for the 2nd charity Golf Tournament in memory of former Pernod Ricard manager Lori Watson, who passed away from cancer in June 2012. The Tournament will take place May 8. See page 1 for information.

PEOPLE and COMPANY NEWS. Bulgari’s Kusmierek takes on a new luxury role at Starboard; Soskin joins Brown-Forman, along with several other new personnel additions; Bill Harvey now represents The Kirkwood Group‘s impressive portfolio of spirits in the Canadian duty free channel. Page 1.

In more Supply Side News, the newly combined Marcolin USA – Viva group announces management and organizational changes, while American Caribbean Gateway adds Lindt & Sprungli to its travel retail NA confectionery portfolio.

Tweezerman and the Zwilling Beauty Group appoint Liz Taylor’s Premier Global Trading as sales agent, for NA DF/TR and the Caribbean, which the company sees as an important step in growing its business in this market. Full story on Page 3.

Feature Spotlight.
Grammy -award winning superstar producer Emilio Estefan has teamed with Botran Rums to lead a multi-channel marketing campaign for the premium rum in the US, an endeavor that is sure to enhance the brand’s travel retail growth as well. Page 3.

With the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week taking place in New York City last week, beauty and fashion companies were front and center both on the catwalk and backstage: M.A.C, Estee Lauder, OPI and Daisy Marc Jacobs – even Travalo perfume dispensers in bright red — all took part in one way or another.

The men had their share of the spotlight the week before, as NYC played host to the Super Bowl. Men’s skincare brand Zirh hosted a very special “glamour” event for some of the biggest names in the NFL world.

And just in time for Valentine’s Day, get a sneak peek at Buckley London‘s top-selling, award-winning “I Love You bracelet,” that contains a very special secret message. See more on pages 4 & 5.