Brugal 1888 is expected to receive an enthusiastic welcome from travellers at airports in North, Central and South America, says The Edrington Group.

Brugal 1888 1L will retail in the Americas travel retail at $49.99.

Delegates attending the IAADFS Duty Free Show are invited to a special reception to present Brugal 1888 on Monday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Gaylord Palms Hotel. Transport will be available at the front of the Marriott Hotel from 5:50 pm.  There will be a special appearance by Gustavo Ortega representing the Brugal Family.

Last year the company’s Glenfiddich become the first ever single malt to break the one million case barrier (IWSR) while maintaining a faster growth in value over volume.

As well, for the first time, Grant’s broke the five million case barrier and at the same time the brand overtook J&B to become the World’s No.3 Blended Scotch in both value and volume terms (IWSR) achieving William Grant & Sons ambition to be a ‘podium blended Scotch’. 

Hendrick’s will continue to offer new interactive high profile activations for the unusually made Scottish gin. “Expect to see more birdcages, ice cream carts, bathtubs and barber chairs supported by fantastic sampling opportunities in stores around the Americas,” says the company. Attendees are invited to experience the new Barber Chair on the WGS stand in Orlando (Booth 100).

The six-metre long kiosk in the international departures area will be open 24 hours a day giving travellers access to all their travel accessory needs, says Mark Lewis-Jones of Innova Distributors Inc., the distributor for Go Travel Accessories in Latin America.  

The kiosk is a “well-orchestrated” collaboration between Lima Airport Partners, Class Complements S.A.C. (the owners/operators of Peruvian travel and accessories stores Crepier), Go Travel, and Innova Distributors, says Lewis-Jones.

More than 200 different travel accessories will be available at the kiosk.

According to Infraero, Brazil’s national airport authority, Terminal 4 can handle 5.5 million passengers a year, bringing the entire airport’s capacity to 31.4 million yearly. Guarulhos is Brazil’s busiest airport.

To guide passengers through the new terminal, Infraero employees will wear a yellow vest bearing the words, ‘Can I Help?/May I Help You?’

Terminal 4 Guarulhos Airport was built at a cost of USD 49 million and has 12,200 square feet of operational area.

The company, part of a consortium with Brazilian engineering/construction firm Engevis Engenharia SA, won the 25-year contract to operate and build new terminals in the Brazilian capital city’s airport with a bid of USD 2.6 billion, well over the minimum bid set by the government at USD 315.2 million.

Corporación America is owned by Armenian-Argentinean businessman Eduardo Eurnekian. Last year he sold many of his duty free operations, including Duty Free Uruguay and Interbaires shops throughout Argentina, to travel retail giant Dufry.

Corporación America still operates airports throughout South America. Well-known duty free personalities Martin Leal, who managed the Interbaires stores, and Diego Arrosa who managed Duty Free Uruguay, returned to Corporación America after the Dufry purchase.

The airport concession auctions were held earlier today, as the Brazilian government sought out private companies to help ready airports and other infrastructure projects ahead of hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. The winning bids, far more aggressive than expected by industry members, are worth USD 14 billion.

São Paulo’s Guarulhos airport will be operated by Brazilian companies Invepar investors, and OAS construction firm, as well as Airports Company South Africa, who won with a bid of USD 9.4 billion for the 20-year contract, again over the minimum bid set at USD 1.84 billion.

Viracopos-Campinas airport, north of São Paulo, will be operated by Brazil’s infrastructure firm Triunfo Participações and France’s Egis Airport Operation, who won with a bid of USD 2.2 billion for the 30-year contract. The minimum bid set was USD 812 million.

Brazil’s airport authority Infraero will maintain a 49 percent interest in all concessions.

To speed up necessary infrastructure improvements in the country ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, the Brazilian government announced late last year it would allow public companies to submit bids for various projects

Included are Brasilia, Guarulhos and Campinas airports, which the winning bidder must maintain, operate and expand.

However, winning bidders must form a joint venture with Brazil’s airport authority Infraero, with the winner becoming the majority shareholder.

Groups are permitted to bid for more than one airport, but may only be awarded one concession.

Brazil’s aviation agency ANAC will evaluate the bids on several factors including the concession fee offered.

ANAC will make public the concession fees offered by each bidder on February 6.  After this, the top three bids will then participate in a live public auction, with the winner announced the following day.

ASUR currently has concessions to operate, maintain and develop airports in Cancun, Merida, Cozumel, Villahermosa, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Huatulco, Tapachula and Minatitlan in the southeast of Mexico.

Advent International is a global private equity firm and first began investing in South American companies in 1996. To date Advent has invested in 40 Latin American companies in seven countries, according to information on its website.

Update 10:30 pm EST: Brazil media is reporting that at least 11 groups have submitted bids for the airport concessions. Along with Asur and Advent International, groups include a consortium of Banco BTG Pactual SA (Brazil investment bank), Ferrovial SA (transportation infrastructure investor, Spain) and Queiroz Galvao SA (construction company, Brazil), as well as another group including CCR SA (construction company, Brazil) and Flughafen Zuerich AG (operators of Zürich Airport, Switzerland).

On Wednesday, Brazil’s aviation authority ANAC said demand for flights in Brazil has risen 194 percent in the past 10 years. Last year, air travel demand rose 16 percent over the previous year with 107.8 million passengers on flights originating in Brazil.

Airport upgrades are expected to cost US$3.7 billion. The government has issued public tenders for several airport improvements, with tender auctions to be held next month.

Last year Copa Airlines transported 8.8 million passengers and experienced a growth in capacity of more than 20 percent over 2010.

“Our sustained growth in the past few years has reinforced our position as the leading Latin American provider of passenger and cargo services and made an impact on the business and tourism development of Panama and Latin America,” said Copa Airlines CEO, Pedro Heilbron. “We have opened doors to important key markets in the region with connectivity to 59 cities in the Americas.”

Copa’s achievements have been possible because “of our talented personnel, as we point out in our corporate campaign,” Heilbron added. “We will continue to strengthen our leadership position by offering the best service, flight frequencies and destinations for our passengers.”

Heilbron said that Copa Airlines will continue to add routes as well as enhance schedules and connections in 2012, and expects to transport 10 million passengers and increase capacity by 20 percent.

Worldwide, international tourist arrivals grew by more than 4 percent in 2011 to 980 million, according to the latest statistics. With growth expected to continue in 2012, at a somewhat slower rate, international tourist arrivals are on track to reach the milestone one billion mark later this year, says the organization.

The top spenders were led by emerging source markets China (+38%), Russia (+21%), Brazil (+32%) and India (+32%) .

“Yes our forte is as a travel retail distributor of premium and super premium spirits and wines, along with beer, but we are also representing Fazer Confectionery and Ted’s Cigars in specific regions and do feel strongly that we are in a strong position to develop our business to become – over time – a one-stop cross-category shop,” says WOPI director Andy Butcher.

WOPI  will  be showcasing an Iphone 4 Charger and Case and a Solar Powerstore, which can be charged with direct sunlight.

As well many companies are requesting larger booth spaces at the show, held March 11-14 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. A number of vendors are also returning to the show after an absence or making an appearance for the first time.

Exhibitors returning after an absence include L’Oreal-Parbel, Buckley Jewellery Ltd., Concha y Toro SA, Industrias Tip-Top Leáñez & Cia, Ithier de Montmarin SARL, Marchon Eyewear, Troika Germany GmbH, and Worth Paris.

First-time exhibitors include beauty2market, Bodegas Williams & Humbert, Caballeros Inc., Capella Industries, Confiteca CA (Republica del Cacao), Design Go Ltd., Furla, Gerard Bertrand, Goris Group Co., KT&G, Loc Maria, McCormick Distilling Co., Perfumeland, Pronto Innovations, PurseN, Quality Gold, Rabbco Inc., Travalo, and World of Patria International.

Registration for the show is now available online. Click here for the registration page.

The Colombian and Ecuadorian carriers, which operate under AviancaTaca, confirmed an  order of 51 new Airbus A320 jets this week, the largest single order yet in Latin America according to French manufacturer Airbus.

Last year the carriers flew 20.7 million passengers. On routes within Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, the airlines carried more than 11 million passengers, an increase of 23.4 percent over 2010.

Cutty Sark was the name of the famous tea clipper ship, built in 1869, which sailed around the world. The name comes from the poem Tam o’Shanter, written in 1790 by Scottish poet Robert Burns.

“Our Tam o’Shanter bottling is an exploration of the Cutty Sark brand’s fascinating heritage, and tells the story of how our whisky got its name,” says Brand Controller Jason Craig.

Only 5,000 bottles have been created with an RSP of US$329. Cutty Sark is owned by The Edrington Group.

Referring to the country’s booming economy, the newspaper said the U.S.-Panama free trade agreement signed last October will further boost an international exchange of people and currency.

Upscale hotels and expansion of the canal are just two of the many projects which will proceed this year. Other Latin countries which made The New York Times’ list of must-visits this year include Chiloé Island, Chile, Paraty, Brazil, Chilean Patagonia, Puebla, Mexico, and Nosara, Costa Rica.

TFWA is confident that satisfactory alternative accommodation will be offered to all participants at TFWA World Exhibition which will take place October 21 to 26, 2012.

Preparations for the work have already started and the hotel will be closed completely from September 2012 through May 2013.

TFWA says its working closely with the city, the Cannes hotel association and its local partner B in Beyond, which is in charge of hotel reservations for TFWA World Exhibition, to ensure that participants are offered a range of accommodation options.

Infraero awarded the contract to a three-company consortium comprised of construction firms CVS, Tejofran and CCI.

The tender includes building a new passenger terminal and support building at the gateway as well as a new car park and access road.

Motta Internacional CEO Erasmo Orillac tells The Latin America Report that his company is still negotiating terms of the contract and further details will be forthcoming.

The new terminal is expected to be complete in the latter part of this year. In related news, local media reports the Colombian government has hired a firm to research possible locations for yet another airport in Bogotá.

The L’Oréal Group has had operations in Brazil for 50 years and plans to set up its Latin American Research and Innovation Center in Rio de Janeiro.

The cosmetics company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state and city of Rio de Janeiro to build a Research and Innovation Center on Bom Jesus Island, in an area adjacent to the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Technology Park.

The laboratory will serve to accelerate the growth of innovative products tailored for the Brazilian and Latin American markets that may potentially be marketed in other locations around the world, says the company.

“The move to build a laboratory in Brazil is in line with L’Oréal’s globalization strategy of meeting every beauty inspiration by providing the most local innovations for consumers and adapting to each culture’s specific needs,” says Didier Tisserand, Managing Director of L’Oréal Brazil.

Brazil is a very high growth market and its extraordinary diversity and rich cultural heritage are an endless source of inspiration, says Tisserand.

The flight was operated by Argentine Captain Marcos Medina, then departed for its first onwards connection to Buenos Aires.

“This new linked service will not only boost trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates’ route network spanning points across the globe,” said Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales Worldwide.

“Emirates will offer customers in Brazil and Argentina the most efficient and comfortable route to the Middle and Far East, including the airline’s four destinations in China and two gateways in Japan, which are key trading partners for both countries,” added Antinori.

Emirates will operate the Dubai-Rio-Buenos Aires route daily.

Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia will be able to handle 1,500 passengers an hour.

However, concessionaire Coriport faces $500,000 in fines by the Civil Aviation Authority because of the delays, according to the local newspaper The Tico Times. The terminal was scheduled to open last October.

Coriport has six months to propose a plan to remodel the old Liberia airport terminal and expand airport services, according to The Tico Times.

Starting in June, Copa Airlines will connect Liberia with South America via a flight through Panama’s Tocumen Airport.

Alvaro Neto has been appointed as Country General Manager of Uruguay and will report to Oscar García Pedrosa, DCOO of the Business Unit Argentina, Uruguay and Ecuador. Neto has been working with Dufry since November 2004. In his previous position Neto was São Paulo International Airport (AISP) General Manager since 2009.

Replacing Neto, Renato Tesliuk has been appointed General Manager for AISP. Tesliuk has been working with Dufry since March 2004 and was Rio de Janeiro International Airport (AIRJ) General Manager. He will report to Pedro Henrique, Retail Operations Director for the Brazil and Bolivia Business Unit.

Marcos Reis will be the new AIRJ General Manager. Reis has worked with Dufry since 1999. He will also report to Henrique.

The number of passengers carried year-to-date increased 3.7 percent, reaching 126.8 million passengers.
ALTA has more than 25 member airlines and represents more than 90 percent of the region’s commercial air traffic.

The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia was scheduled to be operational Oct. 1, but according to Costa Rican newspaper The Tico Times, the government has not approved the opening.

A press release issued by the aviation authority stated a number of issues needed to be addressed, but did not mention specific problems.
Concessionaire Coriport S.A. won the 20-year concession to build and operate the terminal and spent $41 million on construction.

Local coffee firm Café Britt spent $1 million on three commercial spaces in the airport. Café Britt CEO Pablo Vargas told The Tico Times the company hired and trained 20 new employees to work at the new stores. Although the employees have been relocated to other Britt operations, keeping them on hold generates a monthly loss of $17,000.

According to the Costa Rican Tourism Board, in 2010 more than 225,000 passengers arrived through Liberia. The current terminal can only accommodate about 900 passengers an hour and long line-ups are common.

The promotion is part of a series of global initiatives to mark Heineken’s involvement to develop with its Travel Retail partners concepts that bring additional value to the shopper experience as well as excitement to the beer category.

This promotion, which is the first of its kind for Heineken DraughtKeg, is supported by tailor-made point of sale materials including Heineken branded eye-catching shelves and gift with purchase, says Robert de Monchy, managing director at Monarq. It will appear in the central plaza of London Supply’s 5000m2 travel retail outlet in Puerto Iguazu, located in the border area of Brazil and Argentina, from November 1st through to November 30th 2011.

Carlos Candeias, Global Account Manager Americas for Heineken Global Duty Free says, “We’re excited to partner with Monarq and London Supply on this unique opportunity to showcase one of our innovative beer systems. This partnership has all the ingredients to elevate the shopper experience, create the right awareness for the Heineken DraughtKeg and show our leading position in the beer category.”

Adds de Monchy, “The central plaza concept is a truly unique promotion that creates an engaging in-store destination and re-enforces that London Supply is an excellent partner in building premium brands in Duty Free”.

The fragrance, Truth or Dare by Madonna, will debut exclusively at Macy’s next April, with global distribution beginning in May. This is the singer’s first fragrance.

“Madonna is the marquis addition to Coty’s unrivaled brand portfolio and further establishes us as cutting edge leaders in the global beauty industry,” Bernd Beetz, CEO, Coty Inc said. “We are thrilled to embark on this new venture with Madonna, a global icon with unprecedented star power and cultural relevance.”

Spain’s airport operator Grupo Aena confirmed it will partner with private developer OHL Concessions to participate in the bidding for the upgrading and operation of three Brazilian airports.

Earlier this year, Brazil announced it would allow for private investment in some of its airports, including Guarulhos, Brasília and Viracopos. With the approaching 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, both to be held in Brazil, the government decided to seek outside help to ensure its airports were ready for the influx of passengers.
German airport operator Fraport has also expressed interest in bidding for the concessions.

The bidding process is currently under public review, with bids expected to be accepted in mid December. Infraero, Brazil’s state run airport operator, will maintain up to 49 percent of the capital stock of each airport concession.

The Latin America Report took part in a call with Brazil’s Secretary of Civil Aviation Wagner Bittencourt who said it was essential the country involve private firms in order to have airports ready for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted by Brazil and the 2016 Summer Olympics. Bittencourt said Brazil wanted to ensure first-class facilities for travellers and completion of projects for the FIFA games, so it is seeking investment from the private sector.

Brazil’s first-ever airport concession was granted earlier this year for São Gonçalo do Amarante airport in Rio Grande do Norte.

Guarulhos, Brasília and Viracopos were also among the airports chosen for a private concession model because they account for the highest passenger and cargo demand, and therefore have the greatest need for investment, said Bittencourt. Combined, these airports are responsible for 30 percent of Brazil’s passenger traffic, 57 percent of cargo and hold 19 percent of Brazilian aircrafts.

The auction of the three airports will occur simultaneously at the São Paulo Stock Exchange. Foreign investment is welcome but a company cannot bid for more than one airport.

• São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport calls for a US$740 million bid for a 20-year contract and 10 percent of the airport’s gross yearly revenue to be given to the National Civil Aviation Fund (FNAC) for investment in the regional aviation system.

• Viracopos-Campinas International Airport, approximately 100 km northwest of São Paulo, offers a 30-year contract for a minimum $499.14 investment and 5 percent of the airport’s gross annual revenue given to FNAC.

• Brasilia airport in the country’s capital city, calls for a US$492.21 million bid for a 25-year contract and 2 percent of revenue given to FNAC.

Current contracts at airports, such as duty free and food and beverage, will be honoured by the new management, said Bittencourt. As well, companies who do not complete airport facilities in time for the 2014 FIFA games will be fined.

However, winners of airport bids will not be the sole operators. Infraero, a Brazilian public corporation that has traditionally run Brazilian airports, will be a shareholder in all concessions and maintain up to 49 percent of the capital stock, said Bittencourt. “Infraero will be a relevant partner,” stressed Bittencourt. Infraero’s participation in the governance of airports will be proportional to its shareholding, with decision-making power on relevant topics, which will be established in a shareholder agreement. As well, employees currently working for Infraero who choose not to work for the new concessionaire, will be guaranteed a job with Infraero, said Bittencourt. Unions are currently negotiating benefits and guarantees for Infraero staff.

Bittencourt said the Brazilian federal government believes that the partnership with the private sector through the airport concessions will result in enhanced investment, the exchange of new, innovative ideas and the guarantee of industry best practices. As well, he said the airport improvements will attract new airlines to Brazil, increase competition and hopefully continue to help airfare prices fall.

Global passenger traffic increased by an average of 40 percent from 2003 to 2010; in Brazil alone, passenger traffic increased by 118 percent during the same period. From 2009 to 2010, global passenger traffic increased by an average of 6.6 percent, and 21.3 percent in Brazil.

As the country works towards playing catch up with demand at its airports, a connection tariff for airlines will be established to increase funds for the Brasilia, Guarulhos and Congonhas airports in order to enhance infrastructure development. Other tariffs that have already been established will be maintained at the same prices, and there will be no tariff increases for passengers. The concessionaires will collect the tariffs, with the federal government setting the prices.

Brazil’s National Agency of Civil Aviation (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC) has begun the concession bidding process by publishing the concession notice and contract, which will be available for public consultation for one month.

The winner of the concession will be the highest bidder (the highest bid above the minimum price set by the government) who will provide the agreed amount to the federal government through an annual payment of fixed and variable amounts on the revenues generated by the airports.

Ownership of the facilities built during the concession, such as hotels, will return to the federal government at the end of the concession period.

Airports that are being renovated, either through private concessions or state-run Infraero include:

Brasilia

Total Airport Investment US$492.21 million includes:
• Renovate and expand south passenger terminal
• Estimated completion: December 2013
• Terminal size from 81,200 m2 to 171, 200 m2
• Terminal Capacity for 2014: 26.5 million
• Passenger demand per year in 2014: 21.3 million
–open for concession process

Campinas

Total Airport Investment US$499.14 million includes:
• Construction of new passenger terminal and upgrade existing terminal
• Estimated completion: December 2013 and October 2013 respectively
• Terminal size from 25,215 m2 to 103,982 m2
• Terminal Capacity for 2014: 24 million
• Passenger demand per year in 2014: 9.5 million
–open for concession process

Guarulhos (São Paulo)

Total Airport Investment US$740 million includes:
• Construction of Remote Terminal for Arrival/Check-in (Phase 1 and 2) and Third Terminal for Arrival/Check-in (in progress)
• Estimated completion: January 2012, December 2012 November 2013 respectively
• Terminal size from 175,700 m2 to 288,866 m2
• Terminal Capacity for 2014: 52.7 million
• Passenger demand per year in 2014: 38.9 million
–open for concession process

Confins

Total Airport Investment US$289.52 million includes:
• Renovation and expansion of passenger terminal
• Estimated completion: December 2013
• Terminal size from 60,305 m2 to 67,675 m2
• Terminal Capacity for 2014: 13 million
• Passenger demand per year in 2014: 13 million

Cuiaba

Total Airport Investment US$51.98 million includes:
• Renovation and expansion of passenger terminal (in progress)
• Estimated completion: July 2013
• Terminal size from 5,460 m2 to 13,200 m2
• Terminal Capacity for 2014: 5.7 million
• Passenger demand per year in 2014: 3.1 million

Fortaleza

Total Airport Investment US$199.1 million includes:
• Renovation and expansion of passenger terminal (in progress)
• Estimated completion: December 2013
• Terminal size from 38,500 m2 to 117,620 m2
• Terminal Capacity for 2014: 8.6 million
• Passenger demand per year in 2014: 7 million

Galeao (Rio de Janeiro)

Total Airport Investment US$462.91 million includes:
• Renovation of passenger Terminals 1 and 2 (in progress)
• Estimated completion: July and October 2013 respectively
• Terminal Capacity for 2014: 44 million
• Passenger demand per year in 2014: 18.7 million

“Each market in the Latin America and Caribbean region delivered very strong double digit growth and the performance in Venezuela benefitted from comparison against reduced shipments in the prior period,” according to Paul Walsh, CEO Diageo.

“Diageo has delivered a good start to the new financial year. Net sales growth was marginally ahead of expectations and the quarter did benefit from some one-off factors which are not expected to reoccur in the second quarter. Consumer trends are broadly unchanged. We have delivered positive price/mix in North America, an improvement in net sales growth in Europe and we have driven strong growth in the developing markets with net sales up 20 percent. We continue to expect that net sales growth for the first half will improve on that delivered in fiscal 2011.

“We are alert to any impact which the fragile global economy may have on trading patterns as we continue to build our brands with consumers and enhance our relationships with customers. The sharpened focus we have brought to our investment in marketing, innovation and sales to build the strength of our brands and our routes to market underpins our confidence in the performance of the business.”

Organic net sales in other regions were:
• North America 5%
• Europe 6%
• Africa 9%
• Asia Pacific 14%

On a reported basis, including net sales of £29 million attributable to the acquisition of Mey İçki in August, net sales grew by 9 percent in the quarter against the comparable period. Volume was up 5 percent over the same period last year.

Local media in Brazil report a judge stopped construction at Guarulhos airport because it set a dangerous precedent of bypassing regulations for the sake of urgency.

Brazilian airport authority Infraero awarded the $US700 million contract, which will double the airport’s annual capacity, to Delta Constructions. In an effort to have airports ready for the upcoming 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, which Brazil will host, the government is allowing private companies to build and operate five passenger terminals throughout the country.

Infraero says it will appeal the decision, according to Brazilian media.

“The sustained growth registered in tourism demand in such challenging times clearly makes the case for the sector and reinforces our call to consider tourism as a priority in national policies. Tourism can play a key role in terms of economic growth and development, particularly at a moment when many economies, for the most part in Europe and North America, struggle for recovery and job creation,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

All world (sub)regions showed positive trends with the exception of the Middle East and North Africa. Results were better than expected in Europe (+6%), boosted by the recovery of Northern Europe (+7%) and Central and Eastern Europe (+9%), and the temporary redistribution of travel to destinations in Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+7%) due to developments in North Africa (-13%) and the Middle East (-11%). Sub-Saharan Africa (+9%) continued to perform soundly.

The Americas (+6%) was slightly above the world average. Asia and the Pacific grew at a comparatively slower pace of 5%, but this more than consolidates its 13% bumper growth of 2010.

Results from recent months show that destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia or Japan are seeing declines in demand clearly reverting. “We are very encouraged to see demand picking up in such important tourism destinations and call for continued support to these countries which are today fully ready to receive travellers from all over the world,” added Rifai.

Following an encouraging first half of 2011, growth in the remainder of the year is expected to soften somewhat as recent months have brought increased uncertainty, hampering business and consumer confidence, said Rifai.

“We must remain cautious as the global economy is showing signs of increased volatility,” said Rifai. “Many advanced economies still face risks posed by weak growth, fiscal problems and persistently high unemployment. Simultaneously, signs of overheating have become apparent in some emerging economies. Restoring sustained and balanced economic growth remains a major task.”

“Airports, once a transition point, are now becoming more of a destination, seeking to drive additional revenues by catering to travelers’ needs,” said Tyler Craig, general manager and vice president, NCR Travel.  “As more airlines implement kiosk, web and mobile technologies to speed the check-in process, airports are finding they can cash in on the time people spend waiting for their flights with more numerous and targeted offers.”

Airports Council International (ACI) reports that non-aeronautical revenues – those generated by retail, parking and concessions – now account for nearly half of all airport income.  NCR survey results show that consumers have the time and inclination to take advantage of these offers, with more than 1 in 3 travelers (38 percent) reporting they have at least one hour between clearing security and boarding their flight.

According to survey results, after clearing security, travelers are ready to relax and shift into vacation mode:

• 57 percent would visit a restaurant/bar
• 39 percent would surf the Internet
• 32 percent would shop

Beyond the typical airport concessions, results indicate travelers would like additional entertainment options to pass the time, if offered, including:

• 44 percent would take in a history, science or cultural exhibit
• 16 percent would get a massage or spa treatment
• 12 percent would visit a playground with their kids

Moreover, the survey shows that targeted offer delivery may significantly impact incremental airport revenue, with 60 percent of respondents likely to redeem coupons for a meal, coffee, spa treatment, or other in-airport services if delivered to their mobile device while at the airport.

While many travelers seem interested in exploring airport shopping, dining and other entertainment options, nearly a quarter of respondents (23 percent) say they’re reluctant because they’re afraid they’ll get lost or miss their flight.

“This hesitation could result in lost revenue for airports, many of which are undergoing expansion and renovation projects that could make it even more difficult for travelers to find their way around,” said Craig.  “With air traffic expected to double over the next decade, airports that invest in common use technology to expedite passenger processing as well as things like interactive wayfinding, digital signage and personalized mobile offer delivery can further drive incremental revenue while improving the passenger experience.”

The online survey of 1,010 U.S. consumers was conducted in July of 2011 by ORC International, a global market research firm.

Airports Council International (ACI) will induct the small airport in Canada’s province of Nova Scotia into its Roll of Excellence in a November ceremony. Serving 3.5 million passengers last year, it is being honoured alongside much larger airports including those in Johannesburg and Singapore.

For those who know me well and perhaps think I have a slight bias, I will be up front and state that Nova Scotia is the province I was born and raised in. After a glorious week on the ocean with family and friends, my family drove me to Stanfield International Airport in Halifax to get an early flight home ahead of Hurricane Irene.

The second I stepped out of the car, a senior citizen dressed in Nova Scotia tartan, stood in the slight drizzle and asked if I needed a cart for my luggage. Known as the Tartan Team, the mainly retired group of volunteers walks the airport assisting travellers. I thanked the Tartan lady for her offer, but politely declined (family vacations on the beach call for one-quarter of the luggage lugged to trade shows).

The next test of airport friendliness came at security. If you’re like me, you prepare for what I call The Great Tray Scramble. I’ve gotten the time down to about 30 seconds of pulling out my laptop, re-zipping my bag, placing purse and empty water bottle on appropriate trays, all the while watching for obnoxious travellers trying to take my yet-to-be-filled tray. Add another 10 seconds if I have to remove shoes. If you’re wondering why I carry an empty water bottle, it’s due to too many bad experiences of long line-ups at stores that sell water post-security. I won’t wait five minutes to buy a bottle of water (a good bottle of wine or perfume are another story….I can always wait for that!). The four-ounce cup of water served on four-hour flights doesn’t quite quench my thirst. I take my empty bottle to the closest water fountain, fill it up, and continue on my way.

As I began to ‘unpack’ for security, the friendly guard saw my empty water bottle and immediately grabbed a clean plastic bag and covered it. “You don’t want to put that in the tray and then drink from it,” he smiled.

He then checked my ticket. He pointed out to me that the departure time was not the boarding time, to ensure I was at the gate on time. “It’s confusing for a lot of people,” he said. “I just want to make sure you don’t miss your plane.”

Next came a most chivalrous gesture. When flying in Canada, shoe removal is not necessary. However, my Birkenstock sandals contain metal and always set off the alarm, so I took them off and placed them in the tray. “It’s okay ma’am, put your shoes back on,” the friendly guard offered. After explaining they would set off the alarm he took them from my hand and placed them at the front of the trays. “There, they will go through the screener first so you don’t have to wait in your bare feet too long at the other end.” If it weren’t for my fear of being charged with accosting a security guard, I would have jumped over the tray roller and given him a hug.

Three very small gestures made me feel like I was a welcome guest in the Halifax airport. I’ve been in many airports, I’ve never been treated so well. I’m sure that visitors from abroad also experience the same courteous service and that is their last memory from Canada. A nice way to end a holiday. This security guard’s actions did not add on huge amounts of time or cost extra money. It was politeness and respect at its finest.

Airports of the world listen up. With security fiascos making headlines every week, perhaps it’s time to send your guards to charm school. You’ll find happier travellers who might just open up their wallets a bit more in airport stores after feeling they were respected and welcomed. Kindness goes a long way. Congratulations Halifax. You made my day.

The consortium, comprised of Brazil’s Grupo Engevix and Argentina’s Corporación America, had a successful bid of US$106 million to build the facility, Brazil’s first privately run international airport, in time for the 2014 World Cup which will be held throughout cities in Brazil.

Brazil’s Aviation Agency ANAC said the consortium will spend approximately $404 million on construction.

Once completed, the São Gonçalo do Amarante International Airport will be the largest airport terminal in Latin America and the seventh largest in the world. It will handle 3 million passengers initially with the ability to handle 11 million passengers by the end of the concession. The contract calls for the construction of the runways, terminals as well as operation and maintenance of the airport.

The new service is part of the Qantas Group’s five-year plan to build a truly modern, customer-focused and competitive global airline business, says a company statement.

In early 2012, Qantas will begin direct flights between Sydney and Santiago. This service will operate three times a week, using a three-class Boeing 747 reconfigured with Airbus A380 product, and replace Qantas’ current direct flights between Sydney and Buenos Aires. Over time, Qantas will look to increase the frequency of Santiago services to daily, says the company.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said flights to Santiago would provide higher connection frequencies across the continent than available through Buenos Aires.

“Direct Qantas flights to Santiago will give Australian businesses and tourists the ideal gateway into the key markets of South America, offering convenient connections to Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.

“There is considerable potential for Qantas to help develop the fast-growing trade, tourism and cultural ties between the Asia-Pacific and South American markets. Australia’s location makes it ideally placed to act as a hub for passenger and freight traffic from Asia to South America, presenting an alternative to the United States.

“We are particularly pleased to be flying into the home of our oneworld™ partner LAN and look forward to discussing the possibilities for developing a closer relationship.”

GOL’s domestic market demand grew by 19.6 percent over July 2010, in turn due to airline industry capacity growth, says the company.

Demand on GOL’s international route network fell by 12 percent year-on-year, due to the return of three B767 aircraft that had been chartered out for international flights and the discontinuation of flights to Bogotá, partially offset by the 12 percent appreciation of the Real against the dollar, which favored the expansion of tourism in the Southern Cone and the Caribbean, says GOL.

The largest event of its nature in the Latin America and Caribbean commercial aviation industry, ALTA’s Airline Leaders Forum is designed to promote an international dialogue that advances safer, more efficient aviation in the region. The Forum provides an opportunity for the industry to come together, analyze and address how best to navigate through the industry’s current challenges.

The conference features an agenda of leading CEOs and top-level industry speakers discussing timely issues of importance to the region’s airline industry.

This year’s topics include: ‘Industry Consolidation in the Region: Airlines are pushing ahead
are the stakeholders ready?’; The Environment and the Industry: can we reach a consensus,
what role should the region play?’; ‘Inflight Connectivity…The new cabin experience’.

More than 500 industry leaders attended last year’s ALTA Airline Leaders Forum in Panama, including more than 40 airline CEOs, Presidents and Board Members, as well as Civil aviation authorities and representatives from all the key airlines in the region, among other industry executives.

More information can be found at http://www.alta.aero/airlineleaders/2011

On the verge of its 150th anniversary, the introduction of Bacardi Oakheart reaffirms the brand’s leadership position in rum with expressions now across all rum segments – traditional, flavoured and spiced, says Bacardi spokesperson Andrew Carney.

“Bacardi Oakheart is a tribute to the modern day adventurer. The spirit honours their core essence: a fierce loyalty, stout-heart and unwavering resolve. These timeless qualities are reflected in the bold taste of Oakheart; a smooth, spiced rum with a hint of smokiness and a unique velvet like smoothness,” he says.

Bacardi Oakheart will be available in global Travel Retail from October 2011.

Villars Maître Chocolatier launches a new metal collector’s box full of sweet indulgence.

The Villars Collection boxes are based on the original prints created for Villars by artists that express the “art nouveau”, trend of the 1920s.

For more information regarding Villars assortment visit the Bonardo Travel Retail stand at TFWA (L-29 Blue Village).

The exhibition runs from September 18-23. The pre-registration deadline is August 18, after which anyone wishing to attend will have to register on arrival.

TFWA is pleased that pre-registrations for the exhibition and conference event have been very satisfactory both in quantity and quality of visitors compared to the same period last year.

Key buyers from every category have already confirmed their attendance and there is a marked increase in the number of visitors who qualify for ‘full delegate status’, which provides access to the online exhibition guide and diary and also tickets to the official networking events, the Opening Cocktail and Le Premium Evening private dinner concert.

TFWA reports 436 international exhibitors now confirmed including 35 new and returning companies such as Tommy Hilfiger (fashion), Desigual (fashion), Fratelli Rossetti (fashion), Safilo (fashion), Hédiard (fine food & confectionery), Bourjois (fragrances & cosmetics), Nuxe (fragrances & cosmetics), The Sharper Image (electronics), José Cuervo (wine & spirits) and Gérard Bertrand (wine & spirits).

On-site registration and badge collection opens in Cannes on the eve of the show on Saturday 17^th September.

For further details visit www.tfwa.com.

Today, the Swiss-based travel retail operator announced a turnover of 10.2 percent in the first half of 2011, based on constant exchange rates.

In South America, Dufry won tenders and opened a duty paid shop at Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro and also expanded its presence to Viracopos airport in Campinas where Dufry will operate a duty paid shop with a total retail space of 100 square meters. Viracopos airport, which is 100km from Sao Paulo, saw 5.4 million passengers last year and is the second largest air cargo airport in Brazil. Dufry was also awarded a new concession to operate a 180-square-meter arrival duty free shop in Brasilia and a duty paid store of 100 square meters in Salvador.

South American operations increased their turnover by 26.7 percent at constant exchange rates. The continuous outstanding performance was a result of Dufry’s ability to capture the double-digit passenger growth in the period through aggressive marketing initiatives and promotions and the option of payment in up to seven installments, a program launched in May 2010, says the company.

In Central America and the Caribbean, Dufry opened further shops in Barbados and Mexico, in addition to the retail space opened in that region in the first quarter. In total, Dufry opened nine shops with 3,000 square meters of retail space in the first half of 2011, of which the seaport shops at Cozumel Puerta Maya (1,104 sqm), Mahahual (780 sqm) and St. Kitts (450 sqm) are the most sizeable ones. All locations carry a broad assortment and typically include one or more Hudson News shops in line with Dufry’s strategy to roll out the Hudson News concept globally.

Turnover of operations in Central America and the Caribbean increased by 2.9 percent at constant exchange rates. In Swiss Francs terms, it decreased by 13.9 percent and stood at CHF 179.1 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to CHF 208.1 million in the same period last year. The bankruptcy of Mexicana airlines in the fourth quarter of 2010 continued to impact operations, although sales have started to respond in recent months by airlines taking up more slots in the respective terminal at Mexico City Airport. Furthermore, almost all Caribbean operations showed positive development including those in the English Caribbean.

Julian Diaz, CEO of Dufry Group, commented: “Dufry has been able to accelerate organic growth in the second quarter. Organic growth has been very strong and faster than the growth in passenger numbers. At the same time, we further improved our profitability in terms of gross margin and EBITDA margin. Additionally, we were able to win a number of interesting new concessions in the last quarter, which together with the new space announced earlier this year, means a further significant step forward. Combined with the recently announced acquisitions, this means that we are in a position to make a big step forward in the further development of Dufry.

“The acquisitions that we communicated earlier this month will have a significant impact on Dufry’s profile going forward. They further strengthen our position as the leading travel retailer and increase our focus on emerging markets. We have already started with the integration of the new businesses and creating synergies which will be a main priority in the next 12 to 24 months.

“In this respect, our mid-term initiatives ‘Dufry Plus One’ and ‘One Dufry’ become even more important as we will include the new businesses directly in these projects focusing on top-line growth, productivity improvements and efficiency improvements. The integration of the new businesses will significantly enhance the improvements that we have already generated in procurement, marketing, risk and cash management as well as through tax initiatives and they will also increase the overall value of these projects.

“Having fully debt financed our acquisitions, we will focus on cash generation in the coming 12 months with the goal to deleverage quickly as we have done in the past, based on the strong cash generation of our Group and the contribution of the new businesses.

“The recent turmoil in the financial markets reduces the visibility somewhat and we expect markets to remain volatile in the near future. Having said this, so far our business has not experienced any impact, and at this stage there are no indicators that would suggest a fundamentally different behavior of the consumers. We will therefore be alert to any important development, but we will also continue growing our business profitably and generating cash in line with our strategy.”