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What a terrible week it has been throughout the world: a lorry attack that killed more than 80 people on Bastille Day in Nice; a thwarted but bloody military coup attempt in Istanbul, Turkey that nevertheless killed more than 160 and injured nearly 1,500; and two major attacks against police officers in the U.S. where tensions run high on the eve of the Republican presidential convention.
“France is filled with tragedy,” stated French president Francois Hollande, as he extended the country’s state of emergency until at least October 23 in light of the latest attack there.
All of these events will in some way affect travel plans. ForwardKeys reports that Istanbul bookings – already down following earlier attacks in January and March – dropped 69% in the week after the June 28 bombing at Ataturk Airport, one of Europe’s most important international hub airports.
As we watch with the rest of the world what will unfold next, TMI adds its deepest condolences to the people of France and Turkey, as well as to the families of those slain in Dallas and Baton Rouge.
In industry news, TFWA has announced the speakers for the 2016 Tax Free World Exhibition & Conference taking place in Cannes in October: Dufry CEO Julian Diaz, former UK foreign secretary David Miliband, and social media pioneer Randi Zuckerberg. Please note the new dates of the Cannes event this year, Oct. 2-7. More details on page 1.
Dufry is also in the news with the announcement that ASUR has extended Dufry’s duty free, duty-paid concession contract at Cancun and Cozumel airports for another 10 years, including some 1,500 square meters of retail space in Cancun’s new terminal 4 opening in 2017. Page 1.
Cruising is the fastest growing travel option in Asia, and Starboard Cruise Serviceshas partnered with luxury cruise line Dream Cruises to manage its onboard shopping program. Starboard’s retail services will include onboard shops, TV programming, publications and special events for the Genting owned Dream Cruises, which launches its first luxury liner in November. Full story on page 2.
Back in the Americas, the Summer Olympics taking place in Brazil is now only weeks away, and flight bookings are up by 148% over the same time last year, reportsForwardKeys. The boom is not expected to last after the games however, when international bookings are much lower than last year. See page 3.
The Canadian duty free channel is having a good season, with sales in both the airport and land border stores up in the month of May. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE News. Goslings Rums partners with MONARQ for LATAM and Carib;Actium to manage Americas business for select Emperador spirits brands; Lancômenames US model Taylor Hill its latest ambassadress. Page 4.
PEOPLE. Ryan White joins Toronto Airports in communications role; ACI Worldappoints two new positions; Silvia Valderrama goes to Yves Rocher; Rodolfo Mullerjoins WorldConnect AG – SKROSS; Estée Lauder‘s Barbara Gasaly is promoted. Details on page 1.
