Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 26 No. 47

The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this letter as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click here

Greetings to all our readers around the world. We hope that you are all getting ready for a joyful Holiday.

In today’s issue of Travel Markets Insider we start with more major news from airport operator ASUR. The Mexico-based company has completed its acquisition of URW airports, which gives it a significant presence in the United States through commercial contracts at JFK, LAX and Chicago O’Hare International Airports. Last week, ASUR announced a deal which grew its presence in LATAM. More details on page 1.

International traffic to the United States continued its downward trend in November, reports the National Travel and Tourism Office, with overseas visitation down more than 3.5%. The situation is not helped by this week’s announcement that the administration is proposing social media screening for Visa Waiver Program travelers, which is raising strong concerns that the policy could deter international visitors. “If we get this policy wrong, millions of travelers could take their business and the billions of dollars they spend elsewhere, only making America weaker,” the U.S. Travel Association said. See more numbers on page 1.

Despite the downturn in the U.S., m1nd-set reports that international air travel is projected to deliver moderate but uneven growth in 2026, led by strong recovery in Asia Pacific and China. It even forecasts uplift in U.S. air traffic, especially in hubs like Miami, New York-JFK and LAX. Page 2. 

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Registration has opened for APTRA’s India Conference in 2026. Page 4.

CRUISE & CARIBBEAN

Port Canaveral beats Miami to become world’s busiest cruise port in 2025. Page 3.

Jamaica cruise ports continue post-hurricane recovery. Page 3.

Copenhagen Optimization adds first Caribbean airport partner with Grantley Adams in Barbados. Page 3.

CONCESSIONS

Paradies Lagardère granted seven-year extension of retail contract at Toronto airport. New retail concepts will highlight local culture and regional brands. Page 4.

AT THE POINT OF SALE: THE TMI SPOTLIGHT

L’Oréal & Pernod Ricard unveil “sparkling” cross-category collaboration with Avolta in São Paulo. Page 5.

Coty Travel Retail debuts global launch of limited-edition Daisy Marc Jacobs Murakami Collection with an animation at Miami International Airport timed with Art Basel. Page 5.

SUPPLY SIDE: CONFECTIONERY

Mars receives final regulatory approval to acquire Kellanova; closes deal to create snacking giant. Page 6.

M&M’S and Crocs collaborate to launch limited-edition collection. Two colorful and fun styles feature the M&M’S “spokescandy crew” in graphics and charms. Page 6.

GODIVA unveils new identity ahead of 100th anniversary in 2026. Page 6