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Thom Rankin
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Thom Rankin after a short illness. A kind, soft-spoken Dutchman, Thom was a member of the TFWA management committee for many years and also served on the board, with responsibility for conferences and research. We at Travel Markets Insider extend our deepest condolences to Thom’s family and loved ones. Please click here for the full statement from TFWA.
A report issued last week by the World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that the United States could lose as much as $12.5 billion in international spending this year due to government policies that have made foreign visitors feel unwelcome. Cross-border travel between the U.S. and Canada has plummeted since tariffs and the so-called Trade War began in March, and the U.S. International Trade Administration has reported several months of declining inbound travel. Nevertheless, the number of international visitors was up in April compared to April 2024.
Transatlantic summer travel numbers are also holding steady, reports OAG, which they say could be a result of flights booked and paid for previous to the administration’s new policies. See more detail on Page 1.
If U.S. inbound travel numbers continue to decline, it could seriously impact travel retail. Avolta’s first quarter earnings issued last week report that it is already feeling the slowdown in North American traffic. Page 5
TFWA: Asia Pacific rebounds
Even as travel to the U.S. is uncertain, Asia Pacific is rebounding and has finally recovered to pre-pandemic levels. In one of his first presentations to the industry, newly elected TFWA President Philippe Margueritte addresses the opportunities and challenges ahead for “the most important region in duty free” and the global industry during the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference & Trade Show in Singapore last week. Pages 2 & 3.
New APTRA Board
In more news from Singapore, APTRA – the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association – has elected a new Board and chosen King Power’s Sunil Tuli for a fifth term as President. Page 5.
CRUISE
Mexico slashes controversial cruise tax after industry backlash. A proposed $42 per person cruise passenger tax, initially set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, has been reduced in half and will now go into effect in phases between July 2025, and August 2028. Full story on page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE: BEAUTY
Tom Ford Beauty debuts new Eau de Soleil Blanc fragrance as airport exclusive with Avolta. Page 4
Charlotte Tilbury launches in Mexico. Page 4.
Revlon signs global fragrance deal with superstar Ice Spice. Page 4.
Former DFS Beauty Director Adriana Nicolae joins L’Occitane Group to head up Travel Retail APAC. Page 4.
Designer Nicolas Formichetti named Global Creative Director of MAC. Page 4.
Restructured Shiseido Travel Retail presents Beauty in Motion trends briefing and new travel collection in Singapore. Page 6.
CONFECTIONERY
Mondelez WTR launches first dedicated travel retail campaign for Toblerone in 50 airports worldwide. Page 6.
