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In the top news this week, the very respected Michael Payne, who has run the International Association of Airport & Duty Free Stores since 1991, and been President and CEO of Association since 2016, has announced that he is stepping back from the day to day operational activities.
He will continue to advise the Board on matters of advocacy, governance and content matters, however. It is the end of an era. See further details on page 1.
The Duty Free World Council has released its quarterly DFWC KPI Monitor for 2Q 2025, which shows a positive shift in staff engagement trends and reports that international travel is still robust. See full stories on pages 1 & 2.
AT THE POINT OF SALE: ARI AT MONTREAL
ARI North America continues to introduce compelling activations and listings at its stores at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
In partnership with Dior, ARI is staging a traffic-stopping “bohemium-chic” Dioriviera summer activation throughout the month of August. The desert-inspired décor features a towering palm tree and life-size cactus, and highlights Dior’s latest fragrances, make-up and skincare. Read more on page 3.
ARI North America has also announced that it has listed a range of Indigenous products from Atikuss Canada at its Montreal Duty Free store. In addition to showcasing a local producer, the initiative carries huge cultural significance, says ARI, by supporting Canada’s First Nation communities and offering travelers a chance to experience unique Canadian heritage. Details on page 3.
AT THE POINT OF SALE: San Jose International Airport
Avolta’s Hudson brand has won a 12-year contract covering six new retail concepts at California’s San Jose International Airport. Page 3.
CRUISE NEWS
In another indication of how promising the cruise channel is for travel retail, one of the Caribbean’s leading land-based retailers, Diamonds International, has partnered with luxury Oceania Cruises and Regents Seven Seas Cruises to run their retail concessions fleetwide. More information on page 4.
Harding+ has unveiled an exclusive Citizen watches launch with P&O Cruises. Page 4.
Former Starboard marketing officer Lisa Kauffman has joined Azamara Cruises as CMO. Page 4.
Starboard Group’s land-based vacation retail division, Starboard Resort, has unveiled its latest venture at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort, near the theme parks in Orlando, Florida. See how the retailer is specifically creating family-friendly keepsake memories. Page 5.
IN THE TMI SPOTLIGHT
Campari Group Global Travel Retail (GTR) has unveiled a refreshed, elevated Appleton Estate boutique experience at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The bright and welcoming installation is designed to immerse travelers in the story of one of Jamaica’s most iconic rums, and the boutique reflects the brand’s mission to lead the premium dark rum category through craft, provenance, and exclusivity, says the company. See the full story on page 6.
