What better way to wind down from the stresses – and they are considerable – of organising and moderating The Trinity Forum than a weekend of Formula 1 racing? The Moodie Report, along with half the Asia Pacific travel retail industry it seemed, headed for Singapore over the weekend to watch the Singapore Grand Prix.
Airports
Trinity reignited
The Trinity concept – and spirit – is alive and kicking. That was the unmistakable conclusion to emerge from the fifth Trinity Forum that concluded in Macau last Friday. As has been well documented, the event was postponed from its normal March slot due to the economic crisis. But as the dark shadow of gloom
Read More
Miscellaneous
When Sunil met Sunil
Meet the two Sunils. One (Sunil Tuli, pictured left) is among travel retail’s most engaging characters – as well as being the President of the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association and Managing Director of King Power Travel Retail and Duty Free. The other is the Chairman of what we believe might be the most exciting
Read More
Airlines
IATA takes a positive stand
I applaud the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for an outstanding initiative at London Heathrow Airport (it may be at other airports too). Travelling through Terminal 5 en route to Hong Kong International Airport and Macau for the 2009 Trinity Forum, I spotted a highly visible IATA booth in the landside departures hall. The booth
Read More
Miscellaneous
Not a vintage selection
The Moodie Blog is on the road again. This entry comes to you from London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 en route to Hong Kong International Airport and then the short ferry ride to Macau for this year’s Trinity Forum. As always we’ll be observing the travel retail industry along the way. Heathrow T5 is an
Read More
Miscellaneous
Toby or not Toby – Miles for Smiles Update (a Fartleker’s Guide)
Since my last Blog full of training tips for the ‘Miles for Smiles’ fun run in Dubai this November, my in-box has been overflowing with helpful hints – and a fair smatter of abuse – from fellow runners and also those who know better than to enter such ill-advised and fundamentally painful events. Sifting through this
Read More
Miscellaneous
Duty free problems ahead – and overhead
“Please Sir, do you mind if you put that bottle under your feet?” While the Lufthansa stewardess’s words were framed as a question, her tone indicated they were a directive. And a surprise. For ‘that bottle’ was a fine bottle of German Riesling I had just purchased at the excellent new-look Heinemann Travel Value store
Read More
Miscellaneous
On track at Changi
Expectation is building for the Singapore F1 Grand Prix, raced at night around the streets of Singapore on 27 September. But there’s plenty happening ‘trackside’ at Changi Airport too. Many retailers from around Asia Pacific will be in Singapore for the big race,. And one leading brand company – Diageo Global Travel & Middle East
Read More
Miscellaneous
Vital signs
Might the end of the latest great global industry crisis be hoving into view? Whisper it quietly, but the patient – the aviation business – might just be showing signs of renewed life. That’s certainly what two of the world’s leading airports group are saying today. As Frankfurt Airport posted a marginal decline in August passenger numbers, CEO Stefan Schulte
Read More
Miscellaneous
Oh brother where art thou?
Sadly The Moodie Report Publisher has been unable to make the ASUTIL conference in Aruba which has just begun – the first I have missed for many years. But most of the delegates are convinced that I am indeed there, according to Lois Pasternak of Travel Markets Insider, who is covering the event for The