Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 18 No. 49/50

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 the lead story in this week’s double issue of Travel Markets InsiderDufry announces that it intends to expand its cruise business and has created the Dufry Cruise Services center of excellence, based in Miami, to do so. With Dufry Cruise Services, the travel retail giant is combining its cruise ship expertise through the former Flagship Retail Services division with the global support network and resources of the full group. Dufry also announces that it has entered the Asia cruise market by beginning operations onboard the Norwegian Joy, which has been specially built and customized for the Chinese market. See full story on page 1. 

BY THE NUMBERS.
 
IATA reports that strong traffic demand continues in June, with the fastest first half growth in 12 years. All regions saw increases, but the U.S. air traffic market – the largest in the world — may be seeing some weakness. The strong U.S. economy is keeping domestic travel and outbound numbers robust, but there are signs that inbound tourism is feeling some stress from travel bans and increased security. See details on page 2.
Further fueling the anecdotal stories of faltering tourism to the U.S., the Department of Commerce today issued its air traffic report for the month of January, 2017.  Inbound travel was up by two percent – led by Mexico and Canada – but travel from eight of nine overseas regional markets recorded decreases in non-resident visits in January. See full story on page 6.
In a touch of positive news from South America’s largest economy, Brazil reports its lowest inflation since 1999. Page 2.
SUPPLIER FEATURE
Luxury gourmet brand Tea Forte is introducing its “visually stunning” new Bleu concept for travel retail. Page 3.
COUNTDOWN TO CANNES
Jordanian company Alzawrae strives to expand its Mazaya shisha tobacco in travel retail beyond the Middle East. Could a “shisaroma relaxation oasis” be ahead for an American airport? Page 4.
Chase International adds Sake. Following last week’s announcement that U.S. based Chase International had been appointed the distribution partner for award-winning American whiskey brand Stillhouse for the US Travel Retail and Caribbean markets, Chase International today reports that it is also adding hand-crafted, premium Hiro Sake to the portfolio. Page 3.
Fashion. Coach has collaborated with singer/actress Selena Gomez to produce a collection of handbags and small leather goods, which will be available in select travel retail outlets next month. Page 4.
Beauty. Chlóe is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its signature fragrance with the launch of a special limited edition fragrance, represented by American actress Haley Bennett. Page 5.
Duty Free turns 70
Speaking of anniversaries, the duty free industry is celebrating 70 years in existence in 2017, and TFWA is marking the occasion with a major global initiative. See page 5 for more details.
High luxury goes sailing. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is entering the luxury yachting and cruise market, and plans to launch the first of three lavish cruising yachts by the end of 2019. More on page 5.
DFASS has been awarded the duty free concession at North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Page 2.
Estée Lauder’s Bruno Richard has been promoted to VP, GM, Travel Retail Europe Middle East and Africa. Details on page 1.