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The whirlwind of Cannes may be over, but news post-show is unabated.
With just shy of 8,000 visitors (a record 7,999 to be exact), TFWA reports that attendance at this year’s hugely successful TFWA World Exhibition & Conference was up over 7% from last year, with an exceptionally high quality of visitors from all over the world.
See a quick review in pictures and dates for next year’s ASUTIL and TFWA Cannes on page 1.
BY THE NUMBERS
One of the very interesting reports coming out of the TFWA Conference was the latest Kearney study that is forecasting heightened volatility ahead for Travel Retail. The disconnect between higher passenger numbers and lower passenger spend is a reality that must be addressed, said the Kearney study, which also discussed opportunities. See more on page 2.
ACI underlined the growing passenger numbers with a forecast 9.8 billion air passengers for 2025, nearing the historic 10 billion milestone. Page 2.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Travel Association’s latest Travel Forecast reports that inbound international travel to the U.S. will plummet more than 6% this year, although the Association is optimistic that upcoming events, like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, could bring in a record number of visitors in the future. Page 3.
CRUISE
Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has announced a series of infrastructure improvements at its ports in the Caribbean and Spain. Page 2.
PEOPLE
Heineken has named Natalia Kuldyaeva as Head of Global Duty Free and strengthens the GTR team with six new appointments, including naming Natalie Fernandez as Senior Manager, Duty Free Americas. Page 4.
George Mboya has been named Chief Executive Officer of SSP America, a position he has held on an interim basis since earlier this year. Page 4.
L’Oréal announces new heads of Travel Retail, Europe and USA. Page 5.
Diageo Global Travel hosted an industry panel in Cannes on the future of travel retail and opportunities for growth. Page 5.
IN THE TMI SPOTLIGHT
Argentina is extending the Puerto Iguazu Free Zone to two other cities; London Supply to open new stores. See page 6 for details.
