I can think of no better way to kick off the week in which Irish people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) than with a stirring rugby victory over England in Twickenham. Being there in person on a lovely spring afternoon on Saturday made the moment all the more special. Along with
Airports
Hamad International, hotspot of travel retail
In the world of international airports, you could make a very good case that this is the leading hotspot in our business.
Read More
Miscellaneous
Rain and shine, a room indoors and edging towards a revival
Our gathering evoked the value of the relationships that so many of us in the industry have forged over many years, and the trust and friendship that underpins them.
Read More
Events
Leading from the front at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
As the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open takes place, even with limited numbers and with all of the necessary safety measures, it also offers an important sense of normality returning to Irish life.
Read More
Events
White trumps black as England soar in Yokohama
Chaps, like thousands of fellow Englishmen in Tokyo and back at home in the UK, was near delirious with happiness. And who can blame him?
Read More
Airports
Portrush beams even as the weather gods frown
This was a day that had it all. Streams of sunshine, torrents of rain, high winds and even a rainbow or two, all served up by the weather gods whose moods the people of Northern Ireland know only too well. I’m in Portrush for the 148th running of The Open, golf’s oldest major championship, and
Read More
Events
Local pride and cries of “fore left” on the links in Lahinch
“If the wind gets up, this will be one tough course.” So said defending Dubai Duty Free Irish Open champion Russell Knox as we strolled along one of the mighty fairways at Lahinch, as this year’s running of one of Europe’s great golfing occasions began with a Pro-Am event on Wednesday. “What do you mean,
Read More
Airports
Southern hospitality at DFW
A remarkable week at FAB 2019 concluded for me with a memorable tour of Paradies Lagardère’s restaurants and retail stores at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where I was reminded again of the warmth of Texan hospitality and the rich blend of culinary culture in this southern state. The quality of food also underlined
Read More
Airports
A new benchmark for luxury spirits at DXB
While temperatures have hit more than 40 degrees here in Dubai this week, those of us in town for the celebration of The Macallan’s new airport boutique have enjoyed something akin to a northern European season, at least for a few hours. On Tuesday night, Edrington Global Travel Retail and retail partner Le Clos marked
Read More
Airports
Bouncing back at Kansai, and capturing the growth wave
Walking around Kansai International Airport on a beautiful April morning, it’s hard to imagine that less than seven months ago, this was a scene of devastation and destruction. On 4 September Typhoon Jebi hit the western Kansai region hard, and this airport harder than almost anywhere else. Because of the extreme weather, and its location
Read More
Airports
From Heisei to Reiwa: a changing era in Japan
We’re on location in Japan at an auspicious time for the country, and not just because of the famed ‘sakura’ or cherry blossom season that brings such beauty to the Spring landscape. Japan’s imperial succession has been planned for some time, with the ascendance of Crown Prince Naruhito to the throne on 1 May, replacing
Read More
Airports
Feasting on variety at Tokyo Haneda
Each time I visit Tokyo Haneda Airport, I’m reminded of exactly why it is ranked towards the top of the consumer-voted Skytrax list of the world’s best airports each year. As we reported last week, Haneda was second only to Singapore Changi in the voting for World’s Best Airport, Changi having won for the seventh
Read More
Events
Chasing the Chinese wave
The Moodie Davitt Report’s latest interim bureau opened on Friday (for two days only) in Trieste, the beautiful Italian port city. We’ve come here for Costa Cruises’ latest ship launch, and one that marks a milestone for the Italian cruise specialist and its retail partner, LVMH-owned Starboard Cruise Services. The Costa Venezia is the first