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The travel world continues to reopen, following two years of pandemic lockdowns.
In North America, Canada announced it is removing its COVID test requirements at the border, a move that the FDFA says will lead land border stores on the road to recovery. Page 1.
The U.S. Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lowered its cruise ship risk advisory for the second time in a month. It is now at its lowest level since March 2020, when the pandemic began. There is even hint that Australia may begin sailing again before too long. Page 2.
Tax Free World Association, which recently canceled its important Asia Pacific Trade Show and Conference, has come back with an alternative format of a two-day in-person networking event in Singapore to enable as many people in that region as possible to gather. The new event will take place at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center on May 10-11. See page 1 for more details.
APTRA, the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association, is “robustly” supporting the new TFWA networking venture, and will hold a two-hour Exchange and Networking event on May 10. Page 1.
In related news that is especially welcome, Bloomberg reported today that Hong Kong is lifting its ban on flights from nine countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., and reducing hotel quarantines to seven days.
CRUISE NEWS
Costa Cruises new LNG-powered cruise ship, the Costa Toscana, set sail on its inaugural Mediterranean voyage on March 5, from Savona, Italy, and features a sustainably-planned Tuscan-inspired luxury collections retail program, designed by Starboard Cruise Services. See page 2.
MSC Cruises broke ground at PortMiami for its new cruise terminal. When finished, it will be the largest terminal in North America. The new terminal will help accommodate MSC’s rapidly expanding business in the Americas. Read more on page 3.
With the theme of “Resilience,” Seatrade Cruise Global returns to Miami for a live event on April 25-28. Page 3.
MILESTONES
WTDC celebrates 45 years in business! Page 4.
Dufry – which has been operating in Mexico for 25 years, has been awarded two five-year concession contracts at the new Mexico City international airport, Felipe Angeles (AIFA) in Santa Lucia. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE NEWS
Kering Eyewear acquires iconic U.S. brand Maui Jim. Page 5.
Pernod Ricard. Royal Salute launches limited-edition in its couture collection: The House of Quinn by Richard Quinn. Page 5
Beam Suntory launches GTR exclusive Bowmore 1965 Precious Metal. Page 5.
Garry Maxwell, Tim Young set to expand award-winning Equiano Rums in Global Travel Retail. Page 6.
Victorinox unveils Architecture Urban2 collection of business bags and backpacks. Page 6.
