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Congratulations to DFS Group, which is celebrating 50 years in operation at San Francisco International Airport. In recognition of the milestone, the leading travel retailer has unveiled two newly renovated flagship stores and four renovated luxury boutiques. See more on pages 1 & 2.
In more airport news, Dufry has extended its concession contract at Heathrow Airport in London for an additional three years, bringing it through November 2029. The Heathrow concession is the largest single location fully operated by Dufry – and one of the most important international hubs in the world. Read more on page 2.
AIR TRAFFIC NUMBERS
APTRA—the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association – reports that parts of its region are finally showing signs of recovery as they approach pre-pandemic levels of traffic. The numbers, prepared in association with ForwardKeys, were presented during the APTRA Exchange during the TFWA Asia Pacific Live event in Singapore earlier this month.
See page 2.
CRUISE
Cruise industry stakeholders appear to be working much closer with many destinations post-pandemic.
In one ground-breaking project in Alaska, Onboard Media has partnered with the Alaska Small Business Development Center and the Buy Alaska program to help stimulate local sales by cruise guests as the State opens to tourism again. Local businesses in each port will be featured onboard all Carnival Cruise ships visiting in Alaska through materials prepared by Onboard Media. The innovative program is also promoting local and native handcrafts. Full story on page 3.
With Alaska’s cruise industry returning this summer, several Alaska Native businesses have announced the development of a new cruise port to open in May 2023. The new port will embrace Native culture and experiences and provide local employment, while balancing the needs of a small village and its people. See more on page 5.
MSC Cruises promises the “future class of cruise retail excellence” onboard its new luxury class World Europa when it launches at the end of this year.
MSC Head of Retail Adrian Pittaway details the first-at-sea retail program that includes innovative shopping galleries, a connected MSC multiverse and luxury outdoor promenade. Page 4.
In another look at immersive, experiential shopping, Starboard and Azamara unveil a destination and artisanal shopping program onboard the new Azamara Onward, which set sail on its inaugural European summer cruise on May 2. Page 5.
New cruise brand launches! The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise set sail from Port of Palm Beach on May 14. Page 5.
PEOPLE/SUPPLY SIDE NEWS
Bacardi GTR creates new regional structure for Asia Pacific and India, Middle East & Africa; names Guarav Joshi and Alexi Babin to head up divisions. Page 6.
EssilorLuxottica appoints Alessio Crivelli as Travel Retail Director. Page 6.
Perfetti van Melle expands Global Travel Retail team with internal promotions. Page 6.
Jaimini Erskine named VP Marketing & Concessions at Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority. Page 6.
