The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this letter as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click here
U.S. airports and roads are expected to be jam-packed this year for the holidays as travel restrictions continue to lift and consumer confidence builds. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) predicts that 53.4 million people will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, which runs from today, Friday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 28. This is up 13% from 2020, and brings travel volumes within 5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
U.S. Thanksgiving air travel is forecast to have almost completely recovered from its dramatic fall during the pandemic, and is up 80% over last year. The Transportation Security Administration reports that it expects to screen about 20 million passengers (including me) during the Thanksgiving holiday, very close to pre-pandemic levels. Let’s hope this is a precursor of better days to come for the industry and the world.
The main story in this issue of TMI underscores the recovery in the United States, with the World Travel & Tourism Council revealing that the U.S. travel sector could see year-over-year growth of more than 35%, significantly outpacing the overall global tourism recovery. Page 1.
The latest data from ForwardKeys further highlights the uptick in air traffic to the U.S. since the reopening of the border to fully vaccinated travelers was announced. See detail on page 3.
AIRPORTS
Latin America. Puerta del Sur, the Corporacion America Airports subsidiary that operates Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport, has been granted a 20-year extension to its management contract, and awarded a new management contract to renovate and develop six regional airports in Uruguay. Martin Eurnekian, CEO of Corporacion America Airports says that the six additional airports it is integrating into the concession is an important step for his company that strengthens long-term sustainable growth in Uruguay. John Gallagher reports. Page 1.
Hospitality self-service platform Servy transacted its 10 millionth order, doubling the number of orders it had served one year ago. Jeff Livney, Chief Experience Officer at Servy, said this milestone is a testament to the adoption of the technology within the industry and a true paradigm shift among guests. Page 3.
SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT: The Macallan Boutique in JFK
The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky has partnered with Duty Free Americas to unveil the first opening in the Americas of the brand’s global The Macallan Boutique retail experience at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport Terminal 7. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Edrington Global Travel Retail, Duty Free Americas and British Airways – a key strategic airline partner operating out of JFK Terminal 7. TMI was there. Page 2.
PEOPLE
Cedric Prouvé, Estee Lauder Companies Group President, International, has announced that he will retire next June. Prouve has had an exceptional career at ELC, and has been a major influence on its travel retail business since 1994. Page 4.
In related news, ELC announced yesterday that it has appointed Mark Loomis, currently President, Asia/Pacific, as President, North America, effective February 1, 2022. Matthew Growdon, currently General Manager, Japan, will be promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia/Pacific, leading all markets in Asia/Pacific, excluding mainland China.
Joy Fan will be promoted to President and CEO, China. Additionally, Mainland China will be elevated to report directly into the International organization.
Richard Fain, whose innovations during more than 33 years as Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Caribbean Group helped shape the modern cruise industry, has announced he will step down as CEO on January 3, 2022. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE
Heineken to acquire Distell. Page 4
New Zealand-based Broken Shed Vodka supports u.S. military heroes with fall promotion. Page 5
Lanson brings two new Cuvées to Cannes. Page 5
Brown-Forman Travel Retail sets travel industry-specific sustainability commitments through 2030. Page 6
Russian Standard Vodka rises to rank of #2 vodka brand in global Travel Retail. Page 6
Shiseido Travel Retail wraps 2021 Holiday Collection in Beauty. Page 7
Origins signs urban farmer/mushroom expert Indy Officinalis as global influencer. Page 7
