Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 23 No. 36

The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this letter as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click here

Today’s issue of Travel Markets Insider is being brought to you from onboard the spectacular new Celebrity Beyond, whose North American naming ceremony will take place at sea this evening.

The ship’s retail plays a key role in the ship’s allure, developed by Starboard Cruise Services and Celebrity Cruises to be an immersive shopping experience that goes far beyond the ordinary. We will report in detail in the next issue.

It has been an extraordinary few weeks for the cruise industry around the world. MSC Cruises announced that its next addition to its World-class family, following the launch of MSC World Europa – whose naming ceremony will take place in Doha on Nov. 13 – will be the MSC World America debuting in 2025.

Carnival Cruise Line this week took delivery the Excel-class Carnival Celebration, whose arrival at its homeport PortMiami on Nov. 20 will be the grand finale of the company’s 50th anniversary year.

This week also saw the arrival of Carnival Luminosa in Queensland, Australia, marking the first ship from the fleet to be homeported in Brisbane. Holland America Line is also back in Australia after more than two years away, when the Westerdam arrived in Cairns from Seattle after a 36-day Pacific Ocean cruise.

In another milestone for Holland America, the Rotterdam arrived at New York City on Oct. 26 on its maiden call to the city following a transatlantic crossing that departed Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and recreated the maiden voyage of Holland America Line’s first ship — Rotterdam I — that departed Rotterdam 150 years ago Oct. 15, 1872.

And now to the news.

DUFRY. The recovery at travel retail giant Dufry continues, with the company reporting strong third quarter results that has led to a doubling of its nine month turnover versus 2021. Page 1.  

New Customs regulations. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has published new modernized Customs Brokers regulations, which CBP says aligns with contemporary business practices. Page 1 (and thank you to Miami logistics specialist WTDC for the information.)

CARRIBEAN. ForwardKeys reports that the Caribbean is welcoming more international visitors than anywhere else in the world, and in the fourth quarter is clearly shifting from “recovery” into “growth mode.” See full story on page 2.  

SUPPLY SIDE: MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Brown-Forman completes purchase of Gin Mare brands. Page 2

Diageo buys Texas craft distiller Balcones. Page 2.

JTI has entered into a joint venture with Altria Group to further develop heat-not-burn products. Page 5.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The Macallan launched The Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica for travel retail. Page 3.

EssilorLuxottica heralds new era of digital and sustainable for sunglasses in Cannes. Page 4.

Belgian chocolate brand Guylian unveils new duty free range and Master’s Collection. Page 4.

Mars Wrigley ITR announces shift to “moment-led” strategy to unlock confectionery

category growth. Page 5