Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 21 No. 25

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 are very pleased to be starting off this issue of Travel Markets Insider with the positive news that Aer Rianta International has re-opened The Loop store at YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, which had been closed since March 24 due to the coronavirus pandemic. See what precautions the company has taken and what it is planning to help passengers stay safe and save time going forward. Page 1.
TMI also presents updates on airport store re-openings from Duty Free Americas and International Shoppes on page 2.
In more good news, we are delighted to announce that Carolyn Mariani, one of the best-known and respected figures in travel retail, has started her own consultancy. A super star in inflight, she spent more than 17 years with 3Sixty Duty Free & More (formerly DFASS) in Miami, and now she’s bringing all that knowledge to her own business, appropriately named PIVOT305. To see how Carolyn might be able to help your business, read the story on page 1.
CRUISE NEWS
The news is not at all positive in the Cruise sector, which continues to be under pressure from fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on July 16 that it was extending its No Sail Order for cruise ships in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction through September 30, 2020.  The CDC cited a greater danger from contagion due to space limitations. Canada also banned large cruise ship operations until the end of October. Page 2.
Carnival Corp. continues to down-size, selling four of the Holland America ships. Page 2.
Carnival Cruise Lines, meanwhile, delays the launch of the Carnival Mardi Gras and the delivery of its transformed Carnival Radiance, which has resulted in several redeployments once ships can sail again. Page 6.
The Royal Caribbean Group is looking ahead though, as it purchases the remaining shares of ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises that it did not already own. Page 6.
TMI SPECIAL REPORT:
ONE ON ONE WITH STARBOARD’S PRESIDENT AND CEO LISA BAUER
Amidst the slowdown and uncertainty facing the cruise industry as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Starboard Cruise Services is focusing on reframing onboard guest engagement for when cruising returns.
Starboard President and CEO Lisa Bauer talked to TMI about how Starboard will adapt to new requirements and consumer preferences for its onboard retail programs, from developing more omni-channel options to tailoring offerings to accommodate specific plans with each cruise partner, while the industry works to regain the trust of passengers. See full interview on page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE: BEAUTY
L’OREAL UNVEILS BOLD SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS FOR 2030
L’Oréal Group has launched a bold, ambitious sustainability program that covers the next ten years with a comprehensive blueprint of measures to meet the growing environmental and social challenges facing the world. The company presented its “L’Oréal for the Future” program, at a global digital press conference from Paris at the end of June.
Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and CEO of L’Oréal; Alexandra Palt, L’Oréal executive vice president, chief corporate responsibility officer and executive vice president of the Fondation L’Oréal; and Adrien Koskas, global brand president of Garnier, laid out the Group’s latest set of ambitions for 2030. Special report begins on page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE: SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY
Cruise veterans Mark Lewis-Jones and Tony Murray of Taras Consultancy are bringing another cutting-edge safety product/service to travel retail, introducing a new Surface Protection Program for cruiselines, ferries and other travel outlets that works on the molecular level to protect against microbes. Page 6.
SUPPLY SIDE: SPIRITS
Diageo has created the world’s first ever 100% plastic free paper-based spirits bottle, made entirely from sustainably sourced wood. The bottle will debut with Johnnie Walker in early 2021. Page 7.
Whyte and Mackay expands Fettercairn portfolio with 22 YO whisky. Page 7
Beam Suntory has launched the fourth video from its Spirited Speaker Series, a series of short video interviews hosted by Ed Stening, Global Head of Travel Retail Marketing at Beam Suntory. Page 7.