Members of today?s young generation are much more than tomorrow?s core customers?they represent a formidable consumer group in their own right. But do travel retailers and brand companies have the know-how to harness this growing spending power? Neena Dhillon investigates in a special cover story report

Established retailers and brand companies maintain a healthy cynicism about the validity of the Internet as a commercial sales tool. In technology-obsessed countries such as Japan, it pays to stay in touch.

Breaking from tradition, Asia?s young consumers are embracing inter-regional travel.

Just as it is rich in a variety of cultures, economies and politics, Asia has a diverse group of young consumers with different outlooks. Grey Insight director Miranda Li focuses on understanding young consumers in the Greater China area.

Quality, not quantity, will unlock China?s potential. Eight branded boutiques are to open at Beijing airport this summer as part of a big expansion plan in the run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games. But, writes Joe Bates, operators need to pay attention to detail if China is to fulfil its undoubted potential

One expansion opportunity Beijing Duty Free (BDF) is likely to turn down is the ambitious new downtown duty-free store planned by China Duty Free Group (CDFG), the country?s largest duty-free operator.

Tax Free World Association (TFWA), the organiser of this month?s TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition in Singapore, has managed to attract Victor Gubareff, a leading specialist in Chinese investment and security issues to give one-to-one advice to companies that want to build their business in China.

Plans to modernise Faro airport?s retail space came to fruition in March as concessionaire Lojas Francas de Portugal opened its 18th airport outlet. Bigger and better, the new store could become the benchmark for all Portuguese airport shops. Joe Bates reports

The most unique aspect of Faro airport?s new Travel Shopping outlet is undoubtedly its Taste of Portugal concept, developed by Lojas Francas de Portugal (LFP) operations manager Martyn Scarf.

Airport retailer India Tourism Development Corp has long dominated operations in the country?s airports. But it is looking to partnership and competition with international rivals as airports are privatised, dramatically changing the face of Indian travel-retail. Eluned Jones reports

Changes to liquor duties in the domestic market in India could have repercussions for the duty-free sector if importers have their way.

In the past year India Tourism Development Corp  has made forays into downtown duty-paid shopping.

The government of the Philippines has launched an all-out drive to revitalise its flagging tourist industry. And among those anxiously monitoring an aggressive new promotional campaign are the country?s struggling travel retailers. Neena Dhillon reports

TFWA has worked hard to establish its Asia Pacific show as the region?s premier travel-retail event. What can visitors and exhibitors expect to find at this month?s show? Joe Bates has the answers

King Power and Ambrose Wine have joined forces to educate wealthy Asians about quality wine. Passengers at Bangkok airport can now browse their new Chateau & Champagne stores and learn how much the category has to offer. Joe Bates reports

In today?s tough trading climate how can forward-thinking liquor suppliers fire the imagination of travelling consumers? And do their retail partners have the vision to put this into practice? Joe Bates investigates

For long-serving liquor executives, the increasingly common sight of Chinese businessmen boarding flights for Beijing clutching bottles of duty-free Cognac has evoked wistful memories of the Japanese in the 1980s.

The classic look beloved of watchmakers is failing to captivate a young, technology-literate market, keen on functionality as well as form. Kevin Rozario put this contentious view, mooted at this year?s Basel Watch Fair, to five chief executives, and stood well back

As usual, Basel was awash with weird, wonderful and not so wonderful watch models. TRI selects some of the most interesting design-led or technologically different styles that will be available to buyers in the coming months.

Although the latest version of the WHO?s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) clause on duty-free tobacco proposes restrictions rather than prohibition, a global ban is still possible. And Asia/Pacific remains one of the regions most strongly in favour of a ban. Gavin Lipsith looks at the positions of some key countries

Prestige brands are subject to rigorous testing to guarantee safe results for consumers. Jane Labous finds out why the high price is worth paying for quality whiteners

The Japanese have long been a mainstay of the travel-retail industry but can this nationality have as great an impact on travel-retail this century as they did at the end of the last? GMC Research finds out

There are surprisingly big variations in the level of retail provided by airports relative to their passenger throughput. Ivo Favotto asks whether some airports are missing out on revenue and profit opportunities by limiting floor space

A new travel-retail show for the Middle East has strong local backing and threatens Tax Free World Association?s stranglehold on the exhibitions business. Kevin Rozario considers the implications

A tribute to Desmond Begg, longtime freelance TRI contributor

With extra space at the country?s main airports, King Power International Group has been  restructuring its retail offer in Thailand. Merchandise director Susan Whelan talks to TRI about revamping its airport stores and product offer and developing a new retail identity

Sidney Frank Importing Co, the supplier of French vodka Grey Goose, is launching a new flavoured variant of its best-selling product.

L?Oréal has signed up Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf as partners to launch a line of fragrances.

Allied Domecq is making an aggressive push into the cream liqueur market with the launch of a Tia Maria line extension aimed at young, fun-loving female travellers.

Under the stewardship of owner Brown-Forman, one of America?s oldest luggage suppliers is preparing to enter the travel-retail market at this year?s TFWA Asia Pacific show.

Tobacco supplier Gallaher and Sampoerna have signed a joint-venture agreement to launch locally manufactured Sobranie Classic cigarettes in Malaysia.