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HURRICANE UPDATE
Hurricane Beryl, which struck the Caribbean in early July, made history by becoming the earliest category 4 and 5 hurricane on record. Developing from a tropical storm into a major hurricane in just over 12 hours, it first made landfall Monday, July 3 on Grenada’s Carriacou Island with wind speeds touching 150 mph.
While Grenada did not suffer major damage to its tourism infrastructure – the airport was open in one day and the Grenada Tourism Authority announced that all hotels and attractions are fully operational, Grenada’s sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique suffered catastrophic damage.
“Hurricane Beryl’s fierce rains and wind knocked out desalination plants, cell towers and fiber optic cables, left roads impassable, and destroyed houses along with local businesses and income-generating activities,” reports the GTA.
The storm went on to hit Jamaica and Grand Cayman, both of which report that their tourism sectors have not suffered major damage. Jamaica’s Montego Bay International Airport reopened around 6 pm on July 4. Grand Cayman reports that infrastructure for its essential travel and tourism industry are in place.
By July 5, when Beryl hit Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula between Cancun and Tulum, it had been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, with its maximum wind speeds slowing to around 65 miles mph. According to reports, the storm largely spared the top beach destinations.
Raymond Kattoura, whose company Duty Free and Travel Retail Group manages the business for Rouge Duty Free in the Caribbean, confirms to TMI that all of the Rouge stores are open and operational, including those in Grenada, Grand Cayman and Tulum.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This week’s issue of Travel Markets Insider is filled with more exciting innovations taking place at the point of sale throughout the region.
But first, let’s take a look at the numbers, as soaring air travel reaches new heights in the U.S. over the summer holidays. Page 1
In our lead story, The Macallan has launched a spectacular interactive Colour Collection pop-up with DFS at Los Angeles International Airport. Page 1 & 2.
In South America, Moët Hennessy Travel Retail has unveiled Les Caves de Champagne at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport in partnership with Avolta. This innovative retail experience features Moët Hennessy’s finest champagne offerings, all curated within a single space, with a retail experience that transports travelers to the Champagne region’s historic cellars through an inspired ambiance and sophisticated textures. Page 6
In the Caribbean, St. Thomas-based Cardow Wine & Spirits speaks exclusively with TMI’s Michael Pasternak about their growing distribution business and how well their local rums are selling in their retail outlets. Page 4 & 5.
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CRUISE
Carnival Corp. celebrated two major sustainability developments in June – taking place on both coasts of the U.S. It became the first cruise line to “plug-in” to shore power at PortMiami and signed a long-term sustainability and investment agreement with the Port of Seattle, where Carnival has been using shore power for the last 20 years. Full report on page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE
Bacardi’s Stephanie Maclead wins Master Blender of the Year for sixth consecutive time. Page 5.
Remy Cointreau GTR promotes Thibault Robert to the newly created rose of Managing Director Global Travel Retail EMEA & Americas. Page 6
iCoupon expands in South America with major travel retail wins. Page 6.
Ferrero introduces Belgian biscuit brand Delacre to global travel retail. Page 7
Nutella celebrates 60th anniversary with travelers. Page 7
Absolut goes Blue with GTR limited edition Andy Warhol bottle celebrating rediscovered painting. Page 8.
Bacardi launches new Bacardi Caribbean Spiced Rum, its first premium spiced rum. Page 8.
INTERNATIONAL
Lagardère Travel Retail strengthens its organization with new appointments. Page 7.
