Back in a brand new world

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Martin Moodie is the Founder & Chairman of The Moodie Report.

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And I’ll drink and dance with one hand free
Let the world back into me
Oh I’ll be a sight to see
Back in the high life again

– Warren Zevon, Back in the High Life Again

The Moodie Report is back in Cannes, operating from our familiar though temporary bureau opposite the Palais des Festivals. You’ll see our blue banner hanging from the second-storey apartment during Tax Free World Exhibition and no doubt spot some familiar faces on the balcony. Give us a wave and feel free to pop up for a coffee.

All is set fair for the biggest week in travel retail. ‘A brand new world’ is the nicely phrased  message on the giant hoarding and indeed many brands, old and new, will be showing themselves in style this week.

With the show taking place one month earlier this year, the weather’s likely to be warm all week. Certainly it’s started nicely – today is set to hit 28 degrees and the forecast is for more of the same throughout coming days.

On a personal note it’ s nice to be back here after last year missing my first show since 1988 due to illness. I’m feeling great and looking forward to catching up with industry friends.

Last night was the perfect start as Harry Diehl (pictured below), in my view one of the great men of our business, hosted a traditional dinner for friends at Gaston et Gastonette (consistently one of the city’s best restaurants if you are looking for a venue this week). Sitting outside, we were able to enjoy company that was as warm as the weather, hear the great man’s heartfelt welcome, and be entertained by beautiful opera tunes from Jill McGuire (below).

Enjoy the week, and look out for my updates on The Moodie Blog. It’s good to be back in what feels like a brand new world.