Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 22 No. 23

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

One of the biggest stories of the week was the announcement by the Canadian government on Monday that Canada will open its border for fully vaccinated Americans on August 9. This development was eagerly anticipated by the Canadian land border operators, but Barbara Barrett, Executive director of Canada’s Frontier Duty Free Association, tells TMI that there is still a lot of work ahead to restore traffic.

The U.S., unfortunately, extended the land border closure for non-essential travel with Canada and Mexico for another month, at least until Aug. 21, DHS announced on Twitter on Wednesday. See full story on page 1.

IAADFS has re-elected Rene Riedi as Chairman of the Board for another term. Page 1.

COVID RESTRICTIONS EASING

Argentina. The government has agreed to gradually increase the number of people who may enter the country through Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. See page 1.

Canada also announced it will lift its ban on cruises in November. Page 4.

Alaska welcomed its first cruise ship in nearly two years when Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas returned to Ketchikan on July 9. Page 2

CONCESSION WINS & EXPANSIONS

In the other major story in the Americas this week, French duty free company Lagardère has expanded its presence in Latin America with the announcement that it has won the Lima DF concession. Lagardère will be partnering with operator Lima Airport Partners in a pioneering profit-sharing business model. John Gallagher contributed to this story. Page 2.

3Sixty Duty Free has expanded its partnership with Virgin Atlantic with the next generation of omnichannel technology. Page 4

CRUISE & ONBOARD RETAIL

MSC’s new flagship, MSC Seashore, will present high-end retail that is “One with the Sea” in MSC’s largest retail offer ever. MSC Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway talks about the dynamic, industry-first seamless space that is 72% larger than in any of the other MSC cruise ships. Page 3.

An appeals court in Florida put a temporary block on lawsuit challenging CDC health restrictions on cruise ships last weekend. Page 3.

Harding Travel Retail has added two high-profile executives to its leadership team, including Matthew Hodges, former president of Godiva. Page 4. 

BEAUTY/ AT THE POINT OF SALE

Puig has launched two major travel retail initiatives in the Americas and around the world. Carolina Herrera’s 212 Heroes, page 5. Paco Rabanne Phantom, page 6

Tairo International has added iconic British brand Molton Brown to its portfolio for the Caribbean and Mexico. Page 6

SPIRITS

The Balvenie unveils The Rare Marriages collection in honor of its longest-serving Malt Master. Page 7

Spirits expert Tim Young establishes consulting business. Page 7.