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 jam-packed double issue of Travel Markets Insider starts off with the sad news that Concessions International Vice President Charles “CJ” Johnson has passed away. TMI add its condolences to those of the US airports industry. Page 1.
BREAKING NEWS
In a major story that broke today and could usher in a new player with strong Asian links in the Americas travel retail channel, Hotel Shilla, the parent company of Shilla Duty Free, South Korea’s leading travel retailer, will acquire a 44% share of 3Sixty Holding LLC (formerly DFASS).
“With Shilla in our shareholding structure we can compete successfully for every airport opportunity in the Americas. We will leverage Shilla’s competences in airport and digital retail and its merchandise categories strengths…,” commented Benny Klepach, Chairman and Founder of 3Sixty. More details on page 6.
AIRPORTS AND CONCESSIONS
Dufry to add three new stores in Mexico City Airport, Terminal 2. Page 1.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) takes over operations of Jamaica’s Kingston airport and prepares to invest $60 million in renovations. Page 2.
Interbaires/Dufry win the tender to redesign, operate and manage the duty free stores at Rosario International Airport in Argentina. Page 2.
SSP Group, in a partnership with Duty Free Americas, has opened its first outlets at Brazil’s two main international airports, Rio de Janeiro Tom Jobim International Airport (RIOgaleão) and São Paulo International Airport (GRU Airport). Page 2.
WHSmith acquires Marshall Retail Group to accelerate its entry into the US airport channel. Page 4.
REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS
Brazil approves pension reform
In what could be the single most crucial measure to put Brazil’s public finances on a more stable footing, boost investor and business confidence, and inject life into the sluggish economy, Brazil’s Senate on Tuesday gave final approval to a landmark reform of the country’s social security system. Page 3.
Caribbean Tourism Organization to close offices in New York and London. Page 3.
Royal Caribbean International predicts 50% growth in Caribbean cruise tourism business. Page 3.
Carnival Corp. and RCL sign MoU to build a new cruise port in St. Lucia. Page 3.
Tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic due to natural cases; no evidence of tainted alcohol, says FBI. Page 3.
US Travel Trends Index: Domestic leisure travel carries weaker business, international inbound travel, says US Travel Association. Page 5.
SUPPLY SIDE: L’OREAL NEWS
L’Oréal stresses sustainability and “Beauty for All Travelers” Page 7
L’Oréal to launch Valentino Beauty‘s Born in Roma fragrance duo in travel retail.
Page 7
L’Oréal signs agreement to acquire Mugler and Azzaro fragrances from Clarins Group. Page 6.
SUPPLY SIDE: AT THE POINT OF SALE
Duty Free Dynamics and Dufry introduce Seiko Pop-up shop in Mexico City Airport. Page 5.
SUPPLY SIDE: SPIRITS
The Balvenie adds three GTR exclusive whiskies to its Stories range. Page 4.
MONARQ Group to distribute Gruppo Montenegro brands in LATAM and Caribbean domestic and duty free markets plus US Duty Free. Page 4.
William Grant & Sons announces the launch of the GTR exclusive Hendrick’s Amazonia Gin, which will be available beginning next March. Page 5.
SUSTAINABILITY
First TR Sustainability Forum to take place at 2020 Summit of the Americas.
TRBusiness and Duty Free Innovation, co-founders of the Travel Retail Sustainability Forum (TRSF), have announced that the Forum’s first official meeting will take place during the 2020 Summit of the Americas, jointly organized by IAADFS and ASUTIL. Next year’s Summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Florida from March 30 -April 2. See page 6 for more information.
