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The biggest news in travel retail over the past few days continues to come from DFS. LVMH has confirmed that it will be “gradually” exiting from DFS, the precursor and once undisputed leader of luxury travel retail shopping. The announcement was made during LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault’s earnings call on January 27, following year-end and 4th quarter results that demonstrated luxury could have a tough year ahead. See more information on page 5.
On a more positive note, Duty Free Americas will be holding its annual Charity Golf Tournament next Thursday in Miami, and is once again partnering with the Miami Dolphins football team to raise a combined one million dollars for Breast Cancer Research at Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This DFA Golf Tournament has become one of the most respected and well-attended events on the duty free calendar in the Americas. Page 1.
TOURISM NUMBERS
UN Tourism has released the annual World Tourism Barometer that shows international arrivals grew by 4% in 2025, with 60 million more people traveling last year than in 2024. See more details on pages 1 & 2.
CANADA
Despite the ongoing traffic declines between the U.S. and Canada, Peace Arch Duty Free, North America’s largest land-border travel retailer, has embarked on a landmark $6.5 million renovation, as if prepares to take advantage of an influx of international visitors for the upcoming FIFA World Cup games. Page 2.
On the U.S. side of the border, some Las Vegas casinos have launched an “At Par” initiative to attract Canadian visitors, who have been boycotting American venues in protest to U.S. government policies. Page 2.
N THE TMI SPOTLIGHT: L’OCCITANE
The L’Occitane Group is honoring its heritage brand as it celebrates 50 years of L’Occitane en Provence. Page 3.
L’Occitane Group appoints Mark Edrington as general manager, Travel Retail EMEA & Americas. Page 3.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Avolta’s HMSHost opens the first Eataly location in a North American airport at JFK Terminal 8. Page 4.
Paradies Lagardère will introduce a whole slate of new wine bars, chef-driven restaurants and local favorites in U.S. airports in ’26. Page 4.
AT THE POINT OF SALE
ARI North America introduces new Salon Du Vin retail concept across key Canadian locations. The new concept was developed to support the growing performance of the wine category in the ARI duty free stores in Montreal and Quebec City airports. Page 5
