Brazil is in economic crisis again. But this is a way of life in South America, as Brasif operations director Fabiano Vivacqua knows only too well. Still, he tells Adele Wolstenhulme, there?s plenty to look forward to when the economy bounces back

Not all cabin crew have a flair for selling inflight?or could even care less. But their abilities, and interest, would stand a better chance of being raised if retailers could communicate more directly.    Adele Wolstenhulme reports

 

Arrivals shopping dominates duty-free sales in Latin America but the offer bears a startling resemblance to departures. Could an approach specifically targeted at the needs of weary travellers drive up sales? Rebecca Mann finds out

Buoyed by recent gains in Mexico and Peru, Spanish travel retailer Aldeasa has ambitious plans for its international business. Director of international operations Marcelino Oreja believes Latin America is still the best market in which to do this. By Joe Bates

After years of criticism at the hands of the trade press, several airlines are finally acknowledging that it?s time to refresh an outdated institution. Updesh Kapur uncovers the evidence

It may not be a Cartier Love Ring on your finger, but as long as it is as well made and looks as good, do you care? Apparently for many travelling consumers the question of the mark is not an issue. Kevin Rozario finds out why jewellery has, so far, not given in to the all-embracing brand name

The writing instruments sector is trying hard to change its traditional image and has woken up to the potential of younger consumers. Eye-catching, funky designs in new shapes and colours are becoming the latest fashion accessories for the youth market. Eluned Jones reports

Trend-setting gel ink pens, digital writers and ergonomically-designed writing instruments are breathing new life into a category that only a decade ago was deemed by some to be archaic.

Writing instruments appear to be a low priority for many operators in travel-retail and are often best represented or marketed by specialist companies such as The Pen Shop in the UK or Paris Scribe in France.

The good times are rolling for Cathay Pacific inflight sales & amenities manager Anna Cheung. Inflight sales at the airline soared nearly 30% last year after the successful introduction of exclusive listings and targeted promotions.

Moving to a carnival beat has its downside when you?re trying to do business. South America has always been held to ransom by economic highs and lows?with Brazil and Argentina the usual suspects. Yet in the face of renewed turmoil, and despite the warning bells, beauty houses continue to launch new products at a breakneck pace. Lois Pasternak reports

Brussels bureaucrats probably thought they had heard the last of duty-free when it was abolished in the European Union two years ago. But Slovenia, along with other prospective EU members from eastern Europe, is reluctant to let go of a cherished form of shopping. By Joe Bates

The profile of the international traveller has changed dramatically in the past 50 years. Overseas travel was once the preserve of the rich, but in 2000 nearly 700m trips were made worldwide. GMC Research International director Brian Shrimpling looks at changing trends as the world gets smaller and travellers become more sophisticated

The fifth annual ASUTIL South American duty-free conference will be held in Rio de Janeiro on September 9?11 and is shaping up to be the best yet. TRI spoke to new ASUTIL secretary-general José Luis Donagaray about what members can expect at this year?s event, and about some of the key issues facing the South American duty-free industry