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Destination 2027. In the lead story of this week’s issue of Travel Markets Insider, Dufry has unveiled a new four-pillar growth strategy, which at its heart is designed to give consumers a better travel experience, while the company uses its geographic diversification to protect itself against economic cycles. At the same time, it will make changes to improve profitability, accelerate cash flow and reinvest for growth, including making more ESG investments. Page 1.
In related news, Dufry held an extraordinary General Meeting for the merger with Autogrill, in which Dufry shareholders approved all items on the agenda. It now has to wait for approval from the regulators. The company says that it expects to complete the deal in the second half of 2023.
ASSOCIATIONS
The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores –IAADFS — has announced that it is now accepting space applications for the 2023 Summit of the Americas, taking place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on April 16-19. See more details on page 1.
TFWA World Exhibition reaches milestone with 90% of 2019 exhibition space now booked. Page 2.
The Middle East –Africa Duty Free Association –MEADFA—has opened registration for the 2022 Conference, taking place in Bahrain on Nov. 27-29. Page 2.
DFWC: Sue Gosling, Harding’s recently appointed Chief Brand and Culture Officer, has joined the Duty Free World Council’s Academy Advisory Group, and now becomes the only Cruise industry specific member of the panel. See more details on page 4.
BY THE NUMBERS
The travel industry continues to show recovery following the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, although a full return to 2019 numbers is still a ways to go for most areas.
WTTC: The World Travel & Tourism Council reports that the U.S. continues to be the world’s biggest Travel & Tourism market, due in large part to its high numbers of domestic travel. See full story on page 3
HAWAII: Hawaii visitor arrivals reached 92% of 2019 figures, the highest monthly visitor count since January 2020. While Japanese arrivals are only 20% of the pre-pandemic volume, officials are optimistic with new Tokyo flights returning soon. Page 3.
IATA: The International Air Transport Association reports strong July traffic an “excellent sign” of recovery. Page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE
Rituals opens its 1,000th store. Page 4.
Sunglasses workshop returns to Cannes with a focus on the future. Page 2.
