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IN MEMORIAM: SANTOS FAGUNDES
We are extremely saddened to report the passing of Mr. Santos Fagundes last Saturday, a great businessman, one of the founding members of ASUTIL, and father to Gustavo Fagundes, current ASUTIL Board member who has headed up Avolta’s Brazilian business for many years.
I had the extreme pleasure of working with the senior Mr. Fagundes during the early days of ASUTIL, and to me he epitomizes what a true gentleman should be. TMI will carry more news on this remarkable industry pioneer in an upcoming issue, but for now, here are the words of his Association colleagues. We send our deepest condolences to Gustavo and his family on their loss.
“The Board of Directors of the South American Duty Free Shops Association (ASUTIL) offers its spiritual support to its Vice President, Mr Gustavo Fagundes, following the death of his father, Mr Santos Fagundes, a pioneer and leading figure in the duty-free industry in Latin America. Our prayers are with his soul and his beautiful family.”
BY THE NUMBERS
The worrisome air traffic news continues to roll in, as IATA is the latest platform to report slower volumes in May due to fewer travelers to the U.S. – coupled with lower domestic travel within the U.S. In fact, North America was the only market to report a domestic air traffic decline in May, reports IATA. Page 1.
But even as we report on this downturn, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration – TSA – is forecasting record air passenger volumes for the upcoming Independence Day holiday, and say that they are prepared to handle the crowds at the airports. Page 2.
In another burst of positive news, Canadian border store Peace Arch Duty Free sold a record-breaking 6L bottle of Louis XIII cognac for CAD $170,000 – the highest-value single-item sale in the shop’s history. See more details on this “remarkable display of resilience,” on page 1.
INTERNATIONAL
Europe
Nigel Keal was unanimously re-elected as president of the European Travel Retail Confederation during the group’s annual meeting. ETRC also unveiled the results of its economic impact study. Page 2.
Asia Pacific
APTRA will be holding its annual India Conference next March in association with Bangalore International Airport Limited. Page 2.
Middle East
Dubai Duty Free reports a new record for its half-year sales. Page 5.
CRUISE
Starboard appoints former Effy executive Anthony Richards to newly created role to elevate the retail experience. Page 2.
Heineken expands draught training program to cruise. Page 3.
Harding+ expands its partnership with Ambassador Cruise Line with new Renaissance retail contract. Page 4.
IN THE TMI SPOTLIGHT: CARIBBEAN
The Boolchand Group debuts HEYDUDE lifestyle footwear brand in the Caribbean with its first store in Aruba. Page 3.
SUPPLY SIDE
Pernod Ricard GTR has launched Absolut Haring Artist-Edition in travel retail prior to worldwide launch. Page 5.
Victorinox introduces new Altmont Modern luggage collection that targets young professionals. Page 5.
