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With Cannes just around the corner, the news keeps pouring in. Most notable this week is a change in one of the main speakers at the opening TFWA Conference. Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion, entrepreneur and philanthropist, is replacing Gloria Guevara Manzo, former president & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, who had to cancel unexpectedly. Page 1.
In another switch, the IAADFS – International Association of Airport & Duty Free Shops – has announced that the 2026 Summit of the Americas is returning to Orlando, after only one year of holding the event in Miami. See page 1 for details on dates and venue.
Congratulations to Avolta and its Hudson division, which have donated more than $5 million to its community charitable organizations over the past decade. Special shout out to Hudson, which has raised another $5 million through point-of-sale donations at its stores throughout North America. See full story on page 1.
What is the best commercial model for airport concessions? According to new research conducted for the ETRC, the European Travel Retail Confederation, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. See report on the groundbreaking study on page 2.
INTERNATIONAL
Louis Vuitton is moving ahead with its points of sale in travel retail, last week opening a 2nd store at Dubai International Airport. Page 2.
PRIVATE AVIATION
Privato Duty Free, in partnership with Streiffer Duty Free, sponsored the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival in North Carolina at the end of August, to help spread the word about Privato’s private airport duty free business at FBOs around the country. Privato has a permanent store at Moore County FBO for private jets where many flew into for the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, company president Marco Arilli tells TMI. Privato’s sales increased over 200% at Moore County Airport for the weekend of the event. Page 2.
SUPPLY SIDE/SPIRITS
“That’s What Makes Jack, Jack” is the eye-catching creative platform around Brown-Forman’s new Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey omnichannel GTR campaign rolling out across three of the world’s busiest airports: London Heathrow, Seoul Incheon, and Dubai. The campaign positions Jack Daniel’s as a leader in consumer engagement and a key driver of growth in the GTR channel, says the company. See full story on page 3.
In more news from Brown-Forman, Woodford Reserve launches its new GTR exclusive Woodford Reserve Double XO Blend. Page 3.
Vino Volo – part of the Paradies Lagardère Dining Division – is celebrating its 20th anniversary of bringing hospitality to airport travelers in the U.S. and Canada. Page 3.
Toschi Vignola will preview its Dubai Inspired Chocolate Cream Liqueur, which has been shortlisted in the “Spirits Product Of The Year” category for the Frontier Awards 2025, in Cannes. Read more on page 4.
Glenfiddich unveils its GTR campaign with Aston Martin Formula One team. See page 4.
Blue Caterpillar has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Brockmans in Travel Retail Americas. Page 4.
CRUISE
The focus is on staff training this week. Adrian Pittaway’s Cruise Retail Academy has formed a strategic partnership with frntlne, a leading provider of mobile-first digital training solutions for global brands. Pittaway says that this collaboration marks a significant step forward in revolutionizing how frontline cruise staff are prepared before commencing their careers at sea, connecting recruitment with a seamless and engaging training experience. See page 5 for details.
In more news highlighting the importance of well-trained staff for the cruise sector, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence are partnering to promote the development and delivery of sustainable, high-quality tourism experiences across the cruise tourism sector through professional training — primarily for tour operators and tour guides in cruise destinations.
Harding+
And finally, cruise retailer Harding+ has reported solid growth and a return to profitability in FY2024 with revenues of £305m up 3.1% year-on-year, despite wider retail challenges. The positive results have been driven by new contract wins, deeper brand partnerships, and continued investment in innovation and data-led personalization, says the company. Read more on page 5.
