The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.
We wish all our readers the world over a very happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2020.
Our first issue of the new year starts off with the somber news of war rumblings in the Middle East and a 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Puerto Rico – not the news we wanted or expected to run. See details on page 1.
As we go to press today the U.S. and Iran have apparently toned down their war rhetoric and seismic activity around Puerto Rico has quieted.
To remind us how quickly the world can change, however, Jan. 12 will be the 10th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti that killed more than 300,000. And we all have our eyes peeled on the tragedy that is happening in Australia with the horrific brush fires.
BY THE NUMBERS
Travel to and within the United States grew 2.2% year over year in November, according to the U.S. Travel Association’s latest Travel Trends Index (TTI), although the group forecasts a 1% decline in international visitation to the U.S. when final data is tallied for 2019. While global long-haul travel is projected to grow an average of 4.8% annually through 2023, the pace of U.S. growth is projected to be just half of that figure at 2.4%. Full story on page 1.
PEOPLE
Industry veteran Mark Mariani has joined 3Sixty Duty Free & More as Vice President Business Development. Page 1.
L’Oréal names Kiehl’s powerhouse Cheryl Vitali to lead its American Luxe brands. Page 2
Kalim promoted at Unilever; Encarnacion joins Montblanc; EM+P partners with Sash & Fire Vodka and International Cruise Duty Free to handle the brand in the Caribbean. Page 2.
AIRPORT & CRUISE CONCESSIONS
Plaza Premium Group prepares to open its first U.S.-based airport lounge to be located at DFW. Page 2.
HMSHost expands in DFW, FLL and internationally in Dubai. Page 4.
Starboard launches transformed retail offerings on Royal Caribbean International’s newly renovated Oasis of the Seas. Page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE
New Gucci Guilty Love Edition brings back Del Ray and Leto as its campaign targets “eccentric lovers.” Page 4.
L’Oréal and Prada sign new beauty license. Page 4.
London’s luxury fragrance expert Molton Brown demonstrated its strong commitment to the travel retail market during the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, debuting five new exclusive travel retail sets that were well received by the industry. See page 5.
Oriental Essences: Rituals adds four new fragrances to its EDP range. Page 5.
Wild Tiger Beverages expands its “roar” with Gindia Original Craft Gin. Since India is the birthplace of the iconic Gin & Tonic, Gindia is produced in Kerala, India, and made from 100% Indian botanicals, says creator Gautom Menon. Full story on page 6.