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 delivers a lot of new numbers, all solidifying the ongoing post-pandemic recovery in travel, albeit at a more moderate pace in some places than we have been seeing recently.
For one, leisure domestic travel in the United States – which has been a driving force in the region – is showing a more “normalized” rate of growth, reports the latest biannual report from the U.S. Travel Association. Although not the surging rates seen over the past year, the sector is still strong and resilient. See more details on page 1.
International air traffic growth is still surging, however, especially between the U.S. and Europe. The latest reports from both Airports Council International (ACI) World and the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) charts the strong growth forecast for the coming summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. Pages 1 & 2.
Furthermore, OAG is forecasting a record number of transatlantic flights to deliver the busiest summer season ever. Page 2.
PEOPLE
Dirk Schneider is leaving Gebr. Heinemann where he has been Chief Commercial Officer for the past three years. Page 2.
Cruise specialist Harding+ announces that Bill Showalter will join the business in September as Chief Financial Officer and Mikos Taylor joins as its first Executive level IT Director. Page 3.
AIRPORTS/ AT THE POINT OF SALE
Exciting new retail concepts and innovative activations are keeping apace with the travel growth. Here are some recent highlights:
Fraport USA has partnered with Paradies Lagardère to open three new retail stores at JFK Terrminal 5, JetBlue’s home terminal. The new concepts include the first Univision-branded travel essentials store in a New York airport. Page 3
Moët Hennessy Travel Retail has launched its first and only Veuve Clicquot pop-up in travel retail, dedicated to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the iconic champagne House. The pop-up is taking place at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2E Gate M from May 23 to June 26, 2023. Page 3
L’Oréal Travel Retail Americas paid tribute to its #1 fragrance, La Vie Est Belle, with a massive All-Star campaign and media take-over at major airports in the Americas. The campaign features not only Julia Roberts, the face of La Vie Est Belle, but also includes all the other Lancôme ambassadors: Zendaya, Lily Colins, Penelope Cruz, Amanda Seyfried, Isabella Rossellini and adding two new muses: Aya Nakamura and Hoyeon Jung. See full story on page 4.
In more news from L’Oréal, YSL Beauty launched an immersive podium for its La Vestiaire des Parfums collection in Dubai Duty Free in May. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE
Watch and wearable tech company E.Gluck Corporation, has partnered with Bart Collins’ CITRA Incorporated to handle customers in the greater EU region as well as within the duty free and travel retail sector. Page 5.
Travel Blue announces that 8 out of 10 of the largest duty free operators have adopted its Our Blue Way sustainability initiative. Page 5.
SPIRITS NEWS
Bacardi launches new GTR exclusive Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Tuscan Juniper. Page 5.
Kamiki Drinks is introducing OakPacker American Single Malt Whiskey into global travel retail. Page 6.
Beam Suntory’s Bowmore has launched its final “Designed by Aston Martin” GTR exclusive collection. Page 6.
Bacardi expands its Exceptional Cask collection with two new additions: Craigellachie 27 YO Double Cask and Craigellachie 37 YO Bourbon Cask.
See more on page 6.