Global Travel Retail Magazine

Eyewear specialist Mondottica Group is set to launch an innovative new eyewear line from UK fashion brand Ted Baker. The Ted Baker Ready Readers range offers both optical and sunglass frames. Both the standard Ready Readers and Sunglass Readers are available in three models and in four strengths, from +1.5 to +3.0. The Ted Baker Ready Readers and Sunglass Readers line will launch in nine UK airports with leading travel experience player Avolta in April. https://lnkd.in/gsb9urUM Louise Porte Essential Communications PR

Luxury travel preferences, digital influence, and higher spending are top trends among Chinese travelers, according to China Trading Desk as the market research firm releases its latest China Outbound Travel Sentiment Survey for Q1 2025. As Chinese travelers return to overseas travel in greater numbers in 2025, global travel retailers are preparing for a fresh wave of high-spending Chinese shoppers. According to the latest insights from China Trading Desk, 28% of Chinese tourists now budget over ¥50,000 (close to US$6,900) per trip, significantly outspending general travelers. A majority (58%) of Chinese travelers have the intent to shop before boarding in the airport, while 28% are undecided – a clear opportunity for targeted promotions or in-store engagement to convert potential shoppers. https://lnkd.in/gx2iT3D5 Subramania Bhatt

Ballantine’s, the world’s second most popular Scotch whisky, has unveiled a bold new look for its trio of Glenburgie Single Malts, aged 12 Years, 15 Years and 18 Years. The revamped look celebrates the flavor notes of each expression, and the investment of time and craftmanship that goes into every drop of Scotch from the historic Glenburgie Distillery, one of the oldest distilling sites in Speyside and Ballantine’s spiritual home. https://lnkd.in/g2gSgi2i Pernod Ricard Charlotte Turner Liya Zhang Caroline Sargent

Tequila Don Julio, the world’s leading tequila, today announced a new creative partnership with world-renowned DJ, producer and culture powerhouse Peggy Gou. As part of this global collaboration, the brand is launching Don Julio 194구, (구 pronounced ‘Gou’) a limited-edition bottle available at select retailers worldwide while supplies last. https://lnkd.in/d_5FXB_Q Andrew Cowan Azmar Sukandar Diageo

Duty Free Americas has launched its first-ever DFA Festival, a dynamic travel retail event running now through May 2025 across key airport locations in LATAM. DFA Festival has partnered exclusively with VISA and the world’s leading wines and spirits producers, including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Moët Hennessy, Bacardi, Campari Group, Suntory Global Spirits, William Grant & Sons, Proximo Spirits, Sazerac Company, Brown-Forman S.P.I. Spirits (Stoli), Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua, Varela Internacional, Beluga and Tito's Handmade Vodka. https://lnkd.in/d_WZ5mZ2 Charlotte Shaw Dov Falic

MSC Cruises onboard retail experiences will reach another level with a huge and varied retail offering aboard its upcoming flagship, MSC World America, ready to debut next month. The new flagship’s 1,000-square-meter spacious and modern shopping area will offer nine shops, providing guests a world of choice with an impressive selection of boutiques, world-renowned brands, and exclusive shopping experiences. https://lnkd.in/d2gnnCyj Georg Schmickler

Liht Organics, the Singapore-based organic makeup brand, has set its sights on expansion in global travel retail. With a strong base in domestic markets in Singapore and in the Middle East, Liht (Living in Her Time and pronounced ‘Light’) Organics is a first-time exhibitor at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore in May (Basement 2, C8). Liht Organics is the brainchild of Singaporean Nerissa Polke. She founded the brand in 2019 following a long battle with adult acne and the realization that harsh chemicals in everyday beauty products were contributing to her skin issues. “With that strong base, we are ready to look further afield.” Polke says, “We believe the travel retail market offers the opportunity to extend our network, to share our message related to the power of natural products and their benefits. “Today’s consumers are seeking out brands that care not only for their customers but also for the planet. This is not niche beauty any longer. This is today’s beauty landscape, and we want to claim it with products that are ideal for traveling consumers.” Essential Communications PR

Lagardère Travel Retail is set to take a major new step in its Central African development strategy with the opening of its Aelia Duty Free stores at the international airports of Douala and Yaoundé-Nsimalen in Cameroon. More than a commercial expansion, this initiative reflects a strong ambition: to stimulate regional economic growth, generate sustainable jobs, and provide travelers, an enriched and memorable experience. The international group reaffirms its ambition to offer travelers across Africa world-class service that meets the highest international standards. Dag Inge Rasmussen

Tania L., VP Blue Water Bridge Duty Free and President Frontier Duty Free Association, says as tariffs and annexation rhetoric strain Canada-US relations, duty free retailers face potential closures, adding that the current figures highlight the urgent need for policy intervention #CanadaBorderStores #USCanadaBorder #BorderDutyFree #CanadaDutyFree #CanadaBorderDutyFree #FDFA https://lnkd.in/gzvHSeKG

This morning, we have announced the sale of our UK High Street business, as the WHSmith Group looks to focus exclusively on travel retail.  Read the full release 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_aDFm2c