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BY THE NUMBERS
The latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council reports that the United States continues to be the “world’s most powerful” Travel & Tourism market, at least when it comes to the impact on the national economy.
According to WTTC, travel and tourism contributed a record-breaking $2.36 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023, nearly double that of the economic contribution of number two on the list—China. See page 1 for the rest of the top 10, and how WTTC sees this changing over the coming years.
Further underscoring the WTTC findings, the latest report from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) reports that international visitors spent $21.1 billion in the U.S. in July, up more than 12% from July last year. See more details on the spend, as well as air passenger traffic trends, on page 1, Inside Insider.
In more airport news, the U.S. Travel Association has released the results of an in-depth study it conducted on biometrics, showing that as many as nine out of 10 air travelers would be likely to support biometric use at TSA security checkpoints if it reduced the time it takes to get through security. See more study results on age 2.
LATAM
The co-owners of Giromondo, a FMCG company based in USA, Chile and Venezuela, have acquired the operations of Duty Free LATAM, a duty free distributor and retailer operating in Chile, Peru and Colombia. The new owners – Ricard Guasch, who formerly worked at JTI and Montblanc in travel retail, and Alessandro Battellino – say that they plan to bring a fresh energy and strategic direction to the business. Read the full story on page 2.
INTERNATIONAL
Duty Free Americas – who is looking to expand its operations in Israel – is bidding on a tender to operate two duty free stores on borders with Egypt and Jordan. As part of the bid, DFA is petitioning the Israeli court to disqualify a subsidiary of Gebr. Heinemann from also bidding on the tender. Gebr. Heinemannn acquired full ownership of Israeli duty free operator James Richardson, with whom it has had a joint venture since 2017, earlier this year. Page 2.
SUPPLY SIDE
ISSEY MIYAKE. Thirty years after the release of the iconic L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme fragrance, the prestige fragrance brand has created a new masculine pillar –LE SEL D’ISSEY – which Shiseido Travel Retail is debuting as an Avant-Première across key airports in Europe and the Americas. Page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE: COUNTDOWN TO CANNES
How’s your pouring skill? Heineken has announced a fun chance for delegates attending TFWA World Exhibition to win coveted tickets to a Champions League semi-final football (soccer) match. See details on page 4.
Playmobil to launch in TR. The beloved children’s figurines brand is partnering with Duty Free Dynamics (DFD) to reach travel retail points of sale worldwide, and will have dedicated space in the DFD showroom in Cannes. Read more on page 4.
Elizabeth Arden is returning to Cannes with a bigger new stand in the Palais and revamped space in the Villa d’Estelle, as it will unveil two new skincare innovations and continue to further develop its presence in global travel retail. Full story on page 5.
William Grant & Sons is also introducing a beautiful new stand design at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition. The design is inspired by WGS’ recently opened shop-in-shops across selected APAC airports. Page 5.
Jewelry and watch specialist Kurate International is bringing new collections to Cannes, from a completely updated selection of MOON watches, to an on-trend new range of waterproof stainless-steel jewelry from its Belle & Beau brand. See more details on page 7.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Breaks for Good: NITR launches its sustainably-themed Kitkat campaign across the globe. As the first global chocolate brand to be made from 100% sustainably-sourced cocoa through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and its collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance, the latest Kitkat campaign is being embraced by retailers and travelers alike. Page 6.
Munyon’s Paw-Paw goes to sea. A storied Florida-made aperitif from the late 1800’s has been revived and is now being featured in cocktails aboard the world’s two largest ships: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Read all about it on page 6.
