What a good job LS travel retail has done on the first phase of its retail transformation of Rome Fiumicino Airport. It’s always a privilege to spend time with a retail team during (or before) a major opening. And that’s exactly what yesterday’s event was, as the French retailer unveiled eight expanded and updated stores at
Airports
Groundhog Day in blue blue Hawaii
“Ladies and Gentlemen if I could have your attention please. We now have an answer from our mechanics regarding the aircraft problem. As a result we’re flying in an engine part which will arrive later today. Consequently this flight will not depart until 9.30p.m this evening. Those with onward connections should check with their travel
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Airlines
Flying high at Dubai International and onboard the Emirates 380
For aviation aficionados it doesn’t get much better than flying on the Emirates A380, a magnificent gleaming, giant white bird of the skies. It’s not just the majesty of the aircraft I adore. It’s also what’s onboard. I’m writing this Blog from 37,004 feet, half an hour out of Dubai en route to Hong Kong
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Airports
A cause for celebrating (or whining about) wine
As the unofficial New Zealand ambassador for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (my doctor always advised me to take lots of grapes and liquids, so I do, only mixed), I confess to having a vested interest in the way wine is showcased and sold in the travel retail channel. From being arguably the poor relation (let’s make
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Airports
Fur flies as Copenhagen Airport woos Chinese visitors
I’m in Copenhagen to witness what is surely one of travel retail’s great events, writes Gavin Lipsith, a perfect example of what cuddly TV naturalist Sir David Attenborough might call ‘the Chinese travel shopper, in its natural habitat’. Over the next couple of hours more than 600 high-spending Chinese passengers will depart from Copenhagen Airport –
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Airports
Lotte says “Hafa Adai Guam”
It may currently be just a US$30-40 million duty free concession but the importance of Lotte Duty Free’s success in being named preferred bidder for Guam International Airport’s duty free and specialty retail concession cannot be overstated. This tender, like those of Hong Kong International Airport last year, was a drawn-out, suspenseful and controversial contract
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Airports
Sunday too far away
If it’s Sunday, it must be Hong Kong right? Or Melbourne? Or somewhere in between…? I’ve closed down The Moodie Report’s very temporary Hong Kong Bureau at the Regal Hotel at Hong Kong International Airport (along with Heathrow Airport my joint second home in recent weeks) with its wonderful view of planes swooping down on
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Airports
The richest of welcomes to Taiwan
What a welcome. As I stepped off the plane at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport after the long, long journey from Heathrow via Hong Kong International, there was my old friend (well, very young friend actually), the delightful Nancy from the Huan Yu VIP Terminal to greet me straight off the plane. Nancy welcomed me warmly by
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Airports
A Valentine’s Day message from the Trinity
I’m in a bitterly cold, pristinely beautiful Zürich preparing to fly home for the weekend after catching up with The Nuance Group President & CEO Roberto Graziani and his Managing Director Europe Andrea Belardini over an enjoyable dinner last night. Zürich is one of my favourites airports though I have to say I am always a
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Airports
Abu Dhabi welcomes Trinity delegates in style
[Sign of the times: The Moodie Report President Jaclyn Wampler, left, and Commercial Director Mandy Sime get ready for the kick-off of The Trinity Forum 2013 tomorrow] Delegates to the 2013 Trinity Forum are pouring into Abu Dhabi in readiness for the big event which kicks off here tomorrow night with the traditional Opening Cocktail,
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Airports
Antalya Airport – where a retailer’s dreams come true
“It’s perfect… it’s what we dream of,” The Nuance Group Europe CEO Andrea Belardini can barely contain his excitement. “Look at all these green shopping bags, they’re everywhere!” he laughs. The ebullient Italian has a right to be happy. Trying to film while walking around Nuance-NET Duty Free’s new duty free store at Antalya Airport
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Airports
All change in Antalya; glowing review for Gatwick
I’m filing this Blog from my new, temporary Antalya bureau, on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey. To the right of my balcony, there are dramatic mountains; in front of me the bluest sea you ever saw. Beneath me, holidaymakers (mostly Russians from the accents I heard at breakfast) are splashing in the pool or
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Airports
Hong Kong International’s hearty feast
I’m at Hong Kong International Airport about to trial aviation newcomer Hong Kong Airlines back to London Gatwick. It’s a 13 and a half hour flight but they told me at check-in that they have wi-fi onboard! Magnifique!! Or is it? I have to say I the only time I get decent sleep is