Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 20 No. 10/11

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

 

As the year rushes to a finish, there remains much news to report. As always, TMI strives to provide information every week that will make an impact on our readers’ business.
Today’s double issue covers numbers, important suppliers and POS activities that are defining the industry.
In a report with information provided by Cuba Standard, an independent information service focusing on business in Cuba (formerly CubaNews,) we see that Cuba’s tourism has struggled through a difficult year. And while the numbers are looking up in the last quarter, is it a real recovery or a “lower-revenue” recovery spurred by low-spending cruise passengers? And what about that expected influx of Americans to Cuba? Were they scared off by the Trump edicts? Read the conclusion on page 1.
In more Numbers news, IATA says passenger traffic rebounded in October but is uncertain that the rate of growth will continue. Page 1.
AIRPORTS
 
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is in the midst of a $3.6 billion airport redevelopment program, has awarded four retail concessions packages each to Hudson Group and Paradies Lagardère. Hudson’s win includes a Dufry Duty Free store. Page 2.
SPECIAL SUPPLIER REPORT: SHISEIDO
 
Without a doubt, the Shiseido Group was a center of attention this year in Cannes, from its stunning visuals that draped the city to its first-of-its-kind Japanese-Beauty Workshop. Since consolidating its skincare, make-up and fragrance travel retail business under one global umbrella in 2016, the beauty giant has been making huge strides in growing its visibility and market share, particularly in the Americas.
TMI’Lois Pasternak speaks with Shiseido’s Vincent Baland, General Manager, Travel Retail Americas & Local Markets Latin America about what he sees ahead, and reports on the J-Beauty Workshop and a ground-breaking art installation project Shiseido is participating in at Jewel Changi Airport. Coverage begins on page 3.
DISTRIBUTORS
 
Panama-based Duty Free Dynamics has significantly expanded its distribution portfolio over the past few months, adding both new watch brands and venturing into interesting new product categories. Page 4.
Well-known industry figure Nelson Rivera, whose 2-decade long career in travel retail included long stints at Givenchy and Swarovski, has launched his new consultancy, Signature Luxe International, to represent brands in the US, Latin America and the Caribbean. Leveraging his deep experience with jewelry and accessories, SLI has already put together an impressive portfolio. Full story on page 5.
AT THE POINT OF SALE
 
Airports, duty free operators and suppliers are taking full advantage of the holiday season to create a gamut of fun-filled, engaging Point of Sale activities to make themselves stand out. TMI presents some outstanding activations, both in the region and beyond.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is marking the start of the holiday season by unveiling its quirky and eye-catching Ugly Sweater gift pack promotion. It was so popular last year, it is back for a second go-round. Page 5.
Kiehl’s 3rd LOVE collection creates a sense of place in airports from Seoul to San Francisco. Page 6.
Estée Lauder Pops-Up at JFK T1 with International Shoppes. Page 6.
Jo Malone sparkles at LAX and JFK T4. Page 6.
Top NY bartenders serve passengers Grey Goose at JFK. Page 7.
Ballantine’s launches a new 21 yo signature flavor exclusive to GTR. Page 7.
And perhaps the ultimate POS, Dubai Duty Free celebrated its 35th anniversary this week by selling more than US$52 million of goods in three days. In celebration of the milestone event, two rare and special whiskies specially created for DDF, were released. See more on page 7.