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Today’s issue of Travel Markets Insider looks at major developments ranging north to Canada, far south to Argentina, and with a strong focus on the Caribbean in between.
In the lead story, Argentina swore in a new President on Sunday. Right-wing libertarian Javier Milei has promised to institute strong measures that will deliver “a new era” to the beleaguered country, where 40% of the population is estimated to be living in poverty. How will this affect the travel retail industry in Argentina? asks John Gallagher in Buenos Aires. See story on page 1.
One positive sign for the industry is that two of Milei’s new cabinet members have strong backgrounds in aviation and travel retail. See pages 1-2 for the full story.
BRAZIL
As of January 10, 2024, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia will need a visa to enter Brazil. Previously, it was quite an arduous process to procure one. To simplify the procedure, Brazil has launched a special platform through which Americans, Canadians and Australians can obtain The Electronic Visa (eVisa) online. Go to page 2 for details.
CARIBBEAN
The Bahamas “smashes” tourism records in 2023 with 8 million plus arrivals – indication of “a complete post pandemic rebound,” say government officials. Page 2.
CANADA
In an exclusive interview with TMI’s Michael Pasternak, Frontier Duty Free Association Executive Director Barbara Barrett discusses Canada’s slow start to post pandemic recovery and candidly talks about what help the land border duty free industry still needs from the government. This very interesting interview begins on page 3.
WiTR+ meeting in Toronto attracts “incredible” turnout
The Canadian land border duty free industry marked the return of its annual FDFA Convention with the first meeting of the Women in Travel Retail Plus networking group in many years. TMI speaks with Sherri Gidney, Director of Sales at Wine Classics and the driving force behind the event in Toronto, about the great success of the get together. Page 4.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: TAIRO INTERNATIONAL BA MARKETING SEMINAR
Miami-based beauty distributor Tairo International hosted nearly 100 buyers and Beauty Advisors from 33 of its accounts at a major BA Marketing Seminar held in Orlando at the end of October. The guests represented 14 markets from the Caribbean, Mexico Duty Free, the Bahamas and Bermuda. The Seminar brought many of them together for the first time in many years.
TMI publisher Lois Pasternak had an opportunity to attend the multi-day event, and speaks with Tairo CEO Robert Bassan about the rationale behind holding the Seminar and the successful results. Three pages of story and photos begin on page 5.
SUPPLY SIDE: SPIRITS
Edinburgh Gin from Ian Macleod Distillers has unveiled a global brand refresh of its award-winning products. Ian Macleod Distillers is represented by Juan Gentile of Disc Miami (Distribution Spirits Company). Page 7
Duty Free Global and Isle of Wight Distillery Ltd (Mermaid Gin) partner for Global Travel Retail. Page 7.
Loch Lomond Group signs distribution agreement with Blue Caterpillar for the Americas. Page 7.
