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Today’s issue of Travel Markets Insider begins with a look at Avolta’s reimagined duty free store at Vancouver International Airport. Expanded to 30,000 square feet, and spanning two walk-through locations post-security in International departures, the updated space features a mix of global luxury brands and local British Columbia favorites, creating a unique sense of place. Details on page 1.
In TMI’s other major airport news, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a landmark investment package to overhaul concessions at Miami International Airport (MIA) earlier this month. The historic agreement provides for more than $300 million to upgrade and modernize MIA’s concessions, including cutting-edge technology and expanded opportunities for small and minority-owned local businesses. Read the story on page 3.
CRUISE
The cruise channel is busier than ever. In one major development, Carnival Corp. has underlined its partnership with the Bahamas by signing the first set of contracts with 26 Bahamian companies that will be operating retail and food and beverage outlets on Celebration Key. Celebration Key is Carnival’s first-ever exclusive destination to be purpose-built for Carnival Cruise Line guests, and is scheduled to open this July. Page 2.
In another first, luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways has officially launched the first luxury river cruise ship to navigate Colombia’s Magdalena River this past weekend. This is also AmaWaterways first itinerary in Latin America. Page 2.
Seattle’s 2025 cruise season also kicked off this past weekend, when the Norwegian Bliss marked its first sailing of Seattle-to-Alaska season. This is the first full season with all three of Seattle’s cruise berths offering shore power, enabling cruise vessals to shut off their engines while at berth. See more details on page 3.
Starboard Group has expanded its partnership with TUI Cruises, launching a highly curated retail assortment aboard a second ship in the German Mein Schiff fleet, Mein Schiff Relax, a new class of ship which was named last week and will be sailing in Europe as of April. Page 4.
San Juan Cruise Port highlights $42 million in infrastructure improvements during Seatrade Cruise Global. The port, operated by Global Ports Holding, reported increases in both cruise line activity and passenger volume, and steady progress in its modernization upgrades. See more on page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE: SPIRITS
Kasper Andersen has been appointed Managing Director of Edrington Global Travel Retail, succeeding Jeremy Speirs. Page 5.
William Grant & Sons is featuring GTR exclusive The Balvenie 12-Year-Old Golden Cask, the newest addition to The Balvenie’s Cask Finishes Range, in a series of high-profile activations for 2025 in key locations. The campaign launched in Seoul Incheon, Hong Kong, Taipei Taoyuan, London Heathrow, Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Istanbul, Mumbai, Delhi, and Dubai airports, and will be rolled out across the coming months in Singapore Changi, London Gatwick, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Los Angeles airports. Page 5.
