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In Memoriam: Colm McLoughlin
It is with immense sadness that we report on the passing of Colm McLoughlin, former Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, who died in the UK yesterday following a short illness. Colm, a native of Ireland, lived in Dubai for over 40 years and led Dubai Duty Free from 1983 to his retirement in May of this year.
In the official announcement of Colm’s passing, Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free said, “Colm was a great leader who built an award-winning retail business at Dubai Airport and steered its growth to a 2 billion dollar business with over 6000 employees at the time of his retirement. He was a true friend who touched so many lives within the travel retail industry. I join our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and all of our employees in sending our deepest condolences to Colm’s wife Breeda, his son Niall and his daughters Tyna and Mandy and all of their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with Breeda and the family at this very difficult time.”
A well-known and much-loved figure in Dubai, Colm was part of the original ten-man team from Aer Rianta who came to Dubai in July 1983 to set up the duty free operation. His initial contract with the government of Dubai was for six months but he went on to run the business for over four decades. Under his leadership, Dubai Duty Free became one of the largest single airport operations in the world. He also continued to serve the Irish diaspora throughout his life in Dubai and was a recipient of the Irish Presidential Award in 2014 for his services to Ireland.
Colm also helped establish the Dubai Duty Free Foundation in 2004 and was very proud of the work that was done to support 119 local and international charities.
Editor’s Note: In addition to his countless professional accomplishments, which helped shape the travel retail industry that we know today and, literally, built Dubai into the massive powerhouse it has become, Colm McLoughlin was also one of the kindest and most caring humans. Nowhere was this more evident than with his relationship with his lovely wife Breeda, who was always by his side. We at Travel Markets Insider send Breeda and the family our deepest condolences. May Colm Rest in Peace and his memory be a blessing to you.
NUMBERS & ANALYSIS
In our regular news for this week, the Duty Free World Council has issued its DFWC Q3 KPI Monitor, which reports on the welcome news that global air traffic increased by 30% between now and Q2, and in all markets outside of APAC, has surpassed 2019 levels. In addition, it discusses the return of the Chinese traveler, although the U.S., the UK, Germany and France account for the top four international traveling nationalities.
See full details on page 1, and the KPI Monitor’s analysis of global travel retail shopping trends, prepared by m1nd-set, on page 3.
TMI also includes an analysis from ForwardKeys on how Asia Pacific tourism is fueling the global surge in international arrivals. Page 3.
PEOPLE/COMPANY NEWS
In another major story this week, The Estée Lauder Companies has found its new President and CEO – Stéphane de La Faverie, currently serving as Executive Group President, overseeing many of the ELC brands.
In more ELC news, William P. Lauder announces that he will be stepping down as Executive Chairman, although he will remain on as Chairman of the Board of Directors. See full story on page 2
AIRPORT SERVICES
iCoupon is expanding in North America, partnering with low-fare Canadian airlines Flair to provide digital meal vouchers during delays. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE: CONFECTIONERY
Ghirardelli has appointed Mohammed Aldahabi to lead its global travel retail expansion. Page 4.
Mars Wrigley ITR leverages its iconic M&M’s brand with new products and partnerships. Page 5.
Lindt & Sprüngli GTR shares growth plans and innovations in Cannes. Page 5.
IN THE TMI SPOTLIGHT
Courvoisier reopens Maison after multi-year restoration. Page 6.
