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A LEGEND RETIRES
The most important story of the week – if not the year—was the announcement that true industry legend Colm McLoughlin is retiring at the end of this month after 55 years in the industry. With his lovely wife Breeda at his side, Colm spent 41 years at the helm of Dubai Duty Free, helping to elevate it to the single largest duty free operator in the world.
A true gentleman in every sense of the word, Colm McLoughlin leaves as a role model to be emulated by companies around the world. Colm and Breeda will be sorely missed, but I hope we will see them still at key events for many years to come! See full story and who will be replacing Colm on page 1.
SKYTRAX AIRPORT RANKINGS
Last month Skytrax named the Best Airports in the world – with Doha’s Hamed, Singapore Changi and South Korea’s Seoul Incheon taking the top three places. Only one airport from the Americas – Vancouver at #18 – made it into the top 20 spots, but improvements are being noted.
This year, Terminal A at Newark Liberty was Best New Airport Terminal and received Skytrax’s highest 5-star terminal rating; and last year New York’s LaGuardia received the accolade. See page 2 for a full accounting of the airports in the Americas.
ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP
The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) will hold a GenZ RedY workshop in collaboration with m1nd-set and Blueprint that will provide insights into the young generation’s travel retail shopping behavior with a specific focus on North America shoppers.
The webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 29, at 10:00 am EST. There is no cost to participate but you must register to attend. See registration information on page 2, Inside Insider.
SUPPLY SIDE
Gold Bar Whiskey launches its first GTR exclusive with DFS at San Francisco International Airport. Read the exclusive story on page 3.
Brown-Forman names Michael Masick as president, emerging international, which includes Global Travel Retail. He will succeed Thomas Hinrichs, who is retiring. Page 3.
MORE SUPPLY SIDE NEWS
Compass Box Whisky targets travel retail with a focused offering and its first GTR exclusive. TMI’s Michael Pasternak speaks exclusively with Compass Box CEO Maurice Doyle for this in-depth look at what the fast-growing “Most Admired” whisky has planned for the future. Read more on page 4.
Netherlands-based distribution and supply chain company King0fReach.com by B & S made a huge splash at the recent Summit of the Americas – with a stand that was a center of activity throughout the event. The company reports that it sees the Americas as a “fast-growing market with many opportunities.” Read more on page 5.
Cincoro Tequila – which boasts an impressive group of owners including former NBA superstar Michael Jordan – has added more “all-stars” to the ownership team, including Serena Williams and Derek Jeter. Cincoro is represented in GTR by Duty Free Global. See more details on page 5.
SUPPLIER NEWS – AT THE POINT OF SALE
Dior and Duty Free Americas unveil exclusive pop-up store at Miami International Airport for the launch of the new Miss Dior Parfum.
story and photos on page 6.
