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We start this week’s issue of Travel Markets Insider with the critically important – and very welcome news – that the members at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) for Illicit Trade Protocol have agreed that the duty free industry is not a significant channel for illicit trade in tobacco products.
The decision, made by Parties to the Protocol during MOP4 at WHO’s Geneva headquarters on November 24-26, means discussions are being closed on duty free being an important source of such trade. The news was welcomed by the Duty Free World Council, who along with industry stakeholders, has spent years gathering data to prove the security of the duty free channel. See more details on page 1.
2026 SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
Registration is now open for the 2026 Summit of the Americas taking place once again in Orlando, Florida from March 28-31. And GOLF is back! m1nd-set and Carisam Samuel Meisel have announced they are sponsoring a SOA Golf Tournament on March 28. Page 1.
Dr. Peter Mohn, CEO & owner of mind-set, tells TMI:
“I personally felt a golf tournament was missing at this lovely annual event, and as a golfer myself, I was happy when IAADFS agreed on initiating it again in 2026. Since the conference venue is surrounded by a wonderful championship golf course, it is the perfect setting for a revival of an IAADFS golf tournament, and we at m1nd-set are happy to sponsor the lunch and drinks, as well as the prizes for the first three places in two different handicap categories. It will be wonderful to combine fun, networking and a great sport on a beautiful golf course.”
LATAM/CARIBBEAN
ASUR expands its Latin American airport reach with a deal to acquire Motiva’s stake in Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Curacao.
When completed, the acquisition will add more than 45 million passengers to ASUR’s 71 million reported in 2024, consolidating ASUR as the leading airport operator in the Americas, says the company. See further details on page 2.
Jamaica Update: All cruise ports now open as island works to restore tourism following Hurricane Melissa. Page 2.
PRIVATE AVIATION
Executive Retail Shops sponsors Sheltair’s boat show event. Page 3.
AT THE POINT OF SALE
ARI celebrates the holiday giving-spirit with “Joy Awaits” campaign. See how Montreal Duty Free is bringing in the festive season, page 3.
Mondelez WTR opens redesigned immersive Toblerone shop-in-shop at Sao Paulo International Airport. Page 4.
William Grant & Sons’ Hudson Whiskey pays homage to New York City’s iconic yellow taxis at JFK T4. Page 4.
CONCESSIONS
SSP awarded additional F&B contract at JFK Terminal 5. Page 5.
INNOVATION
SKYdeals expands its shoppertainment e-commerce platform beyond aviation. Page 5.
