The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this letter as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click here
From a report issued this past week by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), it appears that the travel industry is recognizing the value that shopping has in the tourism mix. Shopping – or “retail tourism” — accounted for US$178 billion in 2019, comprising 6% of the Travel & Tourism sector’s value.
WTTC says that the sector is under-researched, leading to a lack of critical data for future strategies. See page 1 for more information.
PEOPLE
Most of this week’s issue focuses on People in the Industry. The start of September heralded a slew of high level announcements around the world.
ASSOCIATIONS
In July, the Caribbean Tourism Organization named respected tourism official Dona Regis-Prosper its new Secretary General & CEO, a position she assumed on Sept. 1. During a live press conference zoomed from the Cayman Islands late last week, Regis-Prosper shared her vision for regional tourism. Page 2.
In more Caribbean news, The Bahamas has announced that it is enjoying “explosive” growth in tourist arrivals and is on track to close out the year with more than 8 million visitors. Page 3.
In a surprise move last week, ASUTIL Secretary General Jose Luis Donagaray announced that he was stepping down from the role he has held for more than two decades. Donagaray will be succeeded by Carlos Loaiza Keel, well-known to the industry in the region from his role as head of the CEFSU—the Uruguayan Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Free Shops. Donagaray also hinted where the 2024 ASUTIL Conference will most likely take place. See more details on page 2.
AVIATION / AIRPORT / CONCESSIONS
U.S. President Joe Biden this week announced that he was nominating Michael G. Whitaker – a highly experienced aviation and airline executive – to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The position has been vacant for well over a year due to political disagreements, which is largely preventing improvements in the system. The U.S. aviation industry is urging that the Senate confirm Whitaker to the FAA role as soon as possible. Page 3.
Lagardère Travel Retail has signed an agreement to acquire award-winning airport restauranteur Taste on the Fly, a deal which would make Paradies Lagardère the second-largest operator in the North American airport travel retail and restaurant industry with operations in more than 90 airports. See further details on page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE
Loch Lomand Group has appointed Luke Maga to spearhead growth in Global Travel Retail. Page 4
Duty Free Global has named highly experienced spirits executive Justin Weston to the dual roles of Sr. Vice President for the Middle-East and Asia Pacific and Chief Marketing Officer. Page 4.
Ian Macleod Distillers eyes Americas expansion and appoints Juan Gentile’s DISC as its TR distributor. Page 5.
Haleybrooke International to rollout 6 SKUs of Centinela Tequila inbound from Miami. Page 5.
The Macallan launches a new GTR exclusive range called The Colour Collection, with a collaboration with U.S. graphic designer David Carson. Page 6.
