Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 18 No. 25

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

I must start this issue of TMI by sending our deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting attack that took place at Ft. Lauderdale International Airport on Friday afternoon. Not only did it take place in our backyard, but I was en route to the airport for a personal flight just minutes after the shooting began. That brings the tragedy particularly close. From a business viewpoint, we may find that our travel-related industries will face even more stringent regulations, as this security weak link demonstrates how vulnerable a soft target like an airport can be.
Jeremy Tan. It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Jeremy Tan, Maui Jim’s travel retail sales manager for Asia Pacific. Tan passed away after an 18 month battle with cancer. Page 1.
After months of speculation, the big news today is the official announcement by the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores, IAADFS, and South American Duty Free Association, ASUTIL, that the two organizations have formed a collaborative partnership for their annual events. TMI speaks with ASUTIL’s Secretary General Jose Luis Donagaray and IAADFS President Michael Payne about the rationale behind the plan and specifics of the new Summit of the Americas launching in 2018. Page 1.
In more association news, TFWA last week revealed that it will debut a new dedicated exhibition space for digital solutions in Cannes this year, aptly called the TFWA Digital Village. Page 3.
AIRPORT. New York City’s J.F. Kennedy International Airport will undergo a $10 billion upgrade. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo presented a vision plan to transform JFK so as to accommodate the dramatic growth expected in the coming decades. See more on page 2.
ATL. The Atlanta City Council has unanimously approved the selection of financial expert Roosevelt Council, Jr. as the new general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Page 3.
 
Canada. Peace Arch Duty Free reports double digit sales growth for 2016. Page 3.

 

Meetings.  

 

Registration is now open for the 2017 IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas, taking place at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida on March 26-29, 2017. Click here for more information

 

 

 

TFWA announces that pre-registration for the 2017 China’s Century Conference, taking place March 7-9 in Guangzhou, has begun. Go to tfwa.com for more information.