The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.
This week’s issue of Travel Markets Insider focuses almost exclusively on airport developments, from the latest global IATA numbers to new terminals and concessions.
Despite last year’s weaker economic backdrop, the International Air Transport Association reports that the demand for air travel remains strong – in fact 2015 turned in the strongest growth in the past five years, which at 6.5% was well above the 10-year average annual growth rate of 5.5%. Full story on page 1.
Duty Free Americas took home the top award at Miami International Airport’s first annual Concessionaire of the Year Awards, being named the Overall Concession winner. Competing against more than 200 retail and dining locations in MIA, DFA won based on criteria such as sales per square foot, excellence in presentation, retailing and merchandising selection, store uniqueness and appeal, innovation and customer service. See page 1 for more details.
In other MIA news, the airport is launching an upgraded mobile app and personalized assistant on Feb. 9, (“Fat Tuesday“), taking advantage of the 500+ Blue tooth data beacons installed throughout the airport to offer passengers check-in, navigation, flight updates and shopping/dining suggestions. Page 3.
The biggest North American airport story of the week takes place at Los Angeles International Airport, which on Feb. 2 officially unveiled its $332 million capital improvement renovation at LAX Terminal 2. A key part of the overhaul was the transformation of nearly 76,000 square feet of dining, retail and common areas by Westfield, which invested more than $78 million in the project. Page 2 & 3.
Denver International Airport, which began celebrating its 20th anniversary last year by expanding and enhancing its concessions and customer services, announces the opening of a Kiehl’s Boutique and an Urban Decay store operated by Dufry as part of the contract it won last year. See page 3.
LVMH issued its full year 2015 results, reporting record revenue and earnings, even as DFS faces an “uncertain environment” in Asia. Full story on page 4.
PEOPLE. Get well wishes and weddings. Page 1.
