The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.
In more mixed news from the travel retail industry, leading airport retailer Dufry reported that full year 2020 turnover plunged by 71% compared to 2019, but a series of initiatives from management has resulted in strong liquidity and cash flow control, all of which will drive recovery. Page 1.
Underlining the challenges ahead for tourism, the UNWTO reports that one third of global destinations are still closed to travel due to the pandemic (69 in total), and half of these have been closed for at least 40 weeks. See page 2 to access the full UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report.
In the U.S., however, the government is now compiling critical information for businesses that rely on tourism. The COVID-19 Travel Industry Monitor, launched this month by the National Travel and Tourism Office, offers a one-stop shop of key indicators. TMI presents more details on page 2.
PEOPLE
Congratulations to Arnaud de Volontat, general manager of Altimetre, who has been elected to the TFWA Board as Vice President of Conferences & Research.
Congratulations also to Jerome Blanchard, who has joined Panama-based Top Brands International as Vice President of Perfumes and Cosmetics. Page 1.
CRUISE NEWS
Crystal Cruises has found a way to restart cruising in the Americas despite the restrictions still in effect from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection that have prevented sailing from the United States. Beginning in July, the luxury cruise line will launch a series of seven-night, round-trip cruises that will sail entirely within the waters of The Bahamas, avoiding any U.S. ports and destinations. Vaccinations required! Go to page 5 for the full story.
SUSTAINABILITY
L’Oréal Group hosted a Virtual Transparency Summit on March 4 to share its vision of beauty in the future, by creating products that are more effective, safe and respectful to the environment.
The company is transforming its Research & Innovation through a ‘Green Sciences’ (Biosciences) approach to product and development, and has set itself some very ambitious goals to meet its commitments. Page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE
Duty Free Global has partnered with Legacy Brands to launch MOB33 Gold Heist award-winning rum into global duty free. Page 5
Stoli Group will focus on its super-premium range as the Virtual Summit of the Americas, during which time it will hold a virtual tasting for its new Se Busca mescals. Page 6. MONARQ Group is partnering with Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery in the Caribbean, Latam and US Duty Free markets. Page 6.
