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 starts out with the 30th Annual Marine Hotel Association Convention, the very popular event for cruise line buyers and executives and industry suppliers, taking place in Naples, Florida. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
In other news, it is a waiting game in Canada this month, as Canada’s Frontier Duty Free Association learns whether the 3-year pilot Road TRIP rebate program it has been heavily advocating for will be part of the 2015 Federal Budget, to be announced on April 21. TMI presents an in-depth round-up of the Association’s efforts, along with those of other industry stake-holders, to promote the program that is designed to attract more cross-border U.S. travelers into the Northern border duty free shops. FDFA Executive Director Laurie Karson gives TMI the Inside story. See pages 1-2.
Supply Side. There were more deals on the books last week in the Beauty category, as Coach opted not to renew its fragrance license with Estée Lauder and signed a new 11-year agreement with Interparfums; and Coty completed its acquisition of Bourjois cosmetics from Chanel. Fast-growing beauty brand Rituals, with its bath and body lines inspired by Asian ingredients and themes, has launched a TAO Collection in travel retail.
It is awards season in the spirits industry, with Diageo and Beam Suntory brands bringing home many prestigious accolades. Read details on page 3.
Confectionery. Mars International Travel Retail has significantly expanded its global team with five new additions, reflecting its increased commitment to and investment in growing the confectionery category in the channel. Page 4.
The latest survey from the Travel Retail Forum – “What should the ideal Duty Free store look like” – is now available on Linkedin at http://tinyurl.com/lnpsf7v . Please log in and register your opinions. See further details of the survey on page 4.
