The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this letter as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click here
IN MEMORIAM: MARWAN TAQTAQ
The duty free/travel retail industry has lost another of its true pioneers with the passing of Marwan Taqtaq, who founded the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Duty Free Shop in 1986. This was the first land border duty free store in Ontario, Canada and went on to be a great success.
Even more, Marwan was a dedicated family man, respected business leader and quiet philanthropist, and the epitome of the immigrant success story. We at TMI add our deepest condolences to those of the industry to the Taqtaq family on the passing of this true gentleman. See more information on page 1.
In other news, luxury leader LVMH is still struggling under current international conditions, reporting sales and revenues down in the first half of 2025, led by slides in Fashion & Leather, and Wines & Spirits. Selective Retailing was the lone bright spot, with good growth at Sephora and improved profitability at DFS, as the company works to streamline operations there. See details on page 1.
NEWS & NOTES
US introduces $250 Visa Integrity Fee for non-immigrants. Page 1.
Seatrade Cruise, FCCA and CLIA extend 10-year partnership. Page 3.
Ulta Beauty acquires British beauty retailer Space NK. Page 6.
Ferrero to buy US cereal-maker Kellogg in deal worth $3.1 billion. Page 6.
AT THE POINT OF SALE
The Macallan opens first West Coast US Flagship Boutique at LAX with DFS. Page 2.
Espolòn Tequila returns to MIA with DFA celebrating fútbol and Inter Miami. Page 3.
IN THE TMI SPOTLIGHT
L’Oréal TRAM unveils “pentarchy” vision that transforms Ezeiza Airport into an immersive, emotional, entertaining destination. Page 4-5
CRUISE
Starboard debuts luxury retail onboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s new superyacht, Lumina. Details on page 6.
SUPPLY SIDE: BEAUTY
The Estee Lauder Companies appoints two senior executives to the Travel Retail leadership team. Page 5.
Interparfums signs fragrance license with Longchamps. Page 6.
AIRPORTS
Avolta’s HMSHost awarded contracts for new dining concepts at DFW and San Antonio International airports. Page 7.
Copenhagen Optimization wins contract to transform DFW airport operations; expands operations at JFK T4. Page 7.
