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As 2023 draws to a close, global tourism continues to improve, reaching nearly 90% of the pre-pandemic level, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization. Air arrivals in the Middle East, in fact, are 20% above 2019 levels. The global result bodes well for further recovery, especially since the Asia and the Pacific region is still only around 60% due to its slower return to international travel. Full story on page 1.
Speaking of the Middle East, congratulations to Dubai Duty Free, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary by reaching new heights in a most unusual way. See story on page 6 and/or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbKoex8KYMo
AVIATION/TOURISM
TSA reports busiest air travel day in U.S. history. Page 1.
MIA sets new air travel record. Page 1.
U.S. aviation officials hold hearing on delay of FAA reauthorization bill. Page 1.
China takes step to prioritize inbound travel. Page 1.
ACI Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira to step down at end of 2024.
Page 6
CANADA
Canada’s Frontier Duty Free Association held its first full convention since the start of the pandemic, last week in Toronto.
Although attendance was down by about 30% from the 2019 event, the industry enjoyed a full slate of meetings and networking events, including the first get together for WiTR+. TMI’s Michael Pasternak reports. See story and photos beginning on page 2.
AT THE POINTOF SALE: CRUISE
Celebrity Cruises officially inaugurated its Celebrity Ascent, the 4th ship in its ground-breaking Edge series, on December 1. See details on page 5.
As part of the inaugural celebrations, Starboard Cruise Services and Celebrity unveiled Ascent’s stunning new retail concepts, which include exclusive collections, first-at-sea brand launches, personalized gifting and a sensorial spirits concept – all part of Starboard’s Purpose-Driven Retail program. Coverage begins on page 4.
In more cruise news, Carnival Cruise Line welcomed Carnival Jubilee during a delivery event in Bremerhaven, Germany on Dec. 4. The LNG-powered Jubilee will sail year-round from Galveston, Texas, and will welcome guests for the first time on December 23. Page 5.
AT THE POINT OF SALE: AIRPORT
L’Oréal Travel Retail Americas partnered with TripAdvisor and Kiehl’s USA to create a strong O+O campaign for its Kiehl’s Loves travel-centric concept, holding activations at 31 airport POS this past summer. See full story on page 7.
DFA opens the first Toys“R”Us airport store at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The travel retail launch is part of Toys”R”Us’ “bold new plans” to reopen and roll out flagship stores across the U.S. and internationally – including more stores in airports and onboard cruise ships, say the new owners of the iconic retail brand.
Coincidentally, TMI publisher Lois Pasternak – with grandchildren in tow – visited the brand new Toys“R”Us just opened at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is only the second free-standing domestic flagship opened under the new owners. It was a lovely walk down “Memory Lane.”
