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In Memoriam. The Caribbean, along with tourism officials the world over, mourn the death last week of Dr. Jean Holder, widely regarded as the “Father of Regional Tourism in the Caribbean.” Dr. Holder was not only the first Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, a position he held for 30 years, but was also a former chairman of regional airline LIAT, among other positions. Page 1.
ASSOCIATION NEWS
The IAADFS has unveiled a preview of the conference sessions planned for the 2022 Summit of the Americas, which will take place at the Palm Beach Convention Center April 10-13. Page 1.
ETRC. Some 250 attendees from more than 100 organizations in the European Duty Free and Travel retail channel attended the Virtual ETRC Business Forum, which also saw the relaunch of the ETRC Business Performance Index. See details and European numbers on page 7.
In related news, Heinemann’s Dr. Jennifer Cords was appointed the new ETRC President, as current president Nigel Keal stepped down from his post due to a change in his personal circumstances. Page 7.
BY THE NUMBERS
CRUISE: More than six million guests have sailed since cruise ships resumed operations in July 2020, reports the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in the newly released 2022 State of the Cruise industry Outlook report. Page 2.
AIR TRAVEL: OAG reports that U.S. domestic airline capacity improved to within 6% of pre-pandemic levels. See 10 busiest international routes in North and Latin America on page 3.
Hawaiian Air seeks to resume service to Japan in 2Q. Page 3.
AIRPORTS
American Airlines and British Airways unveil enhancement details for premium travelers at JKF’s Terminal 8. The two airlines say that the first phase of the $400 million joint redevelopment project will open at the end of this year. See story on page 4.
DISTRIBUTOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT: WINE CLASSICS INTERNATIONAL
The Canadian travel retail specialist has signed a major new contract with E. & J. Gallo Winery representing its extensive wine and spirits portfolio in the Canadian duty free market. Page 5.
SUPPLIER NEWS
Nestlé has announced an innovative income accelerator program to tackle child labor in cocoa production. The new program will also reward cash incentives to improve crop sustainability and track cocoa production. Page 6.
William Grant & Sons has unveiled the stunning visual for the third and final limited-edition packaging for Glenfiddich’s Gran Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt Lunar New Year gift pack, created by Shenzhen-based artist Rlon Wang. See how the artist combines the iconic Glenfiddich stag with traditional symbols in futuristic form for this travel retail exclusive. Page 6.
