This year could mark the rebirth of Weitnauer as a genuine global player in travel-retail. No longer dependent on its duty-free distribution business, the company is determined to focus on retail, and retail alone. In an exclusive interview, ceo Frédéric Gauchet tells John Rimmer about the operator?s plan to return to its pioneering origins.

Often cited as one of the best duty-free locations in the world, Copenhagen Kastrup airport is certainly among the most progressive when it comes to retail. Impressive though the Atrium complex is, however, the fact that landlord Copenhagen Airports and retailer The Nuance Group are locked in litigation is evidence of how challenging the environment remains. John Rimmer reports.

Amid increasing uncertainty in the wake of terrorist attacks, war and SARS, Continental Airlines has suffered in tandem with its competitors. But like the passengers it serves, it refuses to be intimidated and has taken the necessary steps to survive. As the market begins to recover, such steadfastness is paying off. By Jonathan Brown.

SeaFrance director of onboard purchasing & offers Stuart Rourke has his work cut out bringing the French cross-Channel ferry operator?s retail offer up to scratch. But he is determined to deliver. Joe Bates travelled to Dover to meet him.

Gebr Heinemann managing director Harry Diehl has been a principal figure in the travel-retail business for over 40 years. He has played a central role in turning the family-run firm into one of Europe?s most successful travel retailers. On the eve of his official retirement, Eluned Jones travelled to Hamburg to meet him.

Many delegates hailed September?s ASUTIL conference in Cancún, Mexico as the best yet?and not just because of the golden sands on the doorstep. The trade association?s first step outside the Mercosur bloc offered new perspectives on a region that is now emerging from crisis. John Gallagher looks back on some of the event?s highlights.

Now in its eighth year, Airports Council International?s annual Airport Economics Survey has become a benchmark for the state of commercial activities at the world?s airports. In this exclusive interview with TRI, author Paul Behnke looks at the historical data the survey provides and offers his thoughts on the future of airport retail.

Following a decline in US tourism to France, tourism authorities in Paris have launched a campaign to persuade transatlantic visitors to return. But, as Eluned Jones and John Rimmer report, it may take time to have an effect.

As one of Europe?s most popular destinations, Italy could become a leading market for travel-retail. Through fresh investment by two of the world?s biggest airport retailers, its potential is beginning to be realised. Jonathan Brown reports.

Salvatore Ferragamo Italia ceo Ferrucio Ferragamo describes the brand?s latest fragrance Incanto as ?evolution without revolution?. In an exclusive interview for TRI, Jane Labous asks him why Incanto is so important for Ferragamo?s fragrances business.

Champagne is rapidly becoming a victim of its own success. As demand begins to outstrip supply, how will travel-retail be affected? Joe Bates investigates.

To make the most of their retail space, beauty operators are becoming more sophisticated in the way in which they target travellers. But a fine balancing act is required.Neena Dhillon asks four leading retailers how they are trying to improve spend.

Fashion and fragrances house Sonia Rykiel has been around since the 1960s. Its staying power, combined with an ability to continually reinvent itself, has earned it a loyal following. Now it is attracting a new generation to the brand. Eluned Jones reports.

Turning a luxury automobile brand into a lifestyle accessories label is not as easy as one might believe. Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and BMW are all jostling for position in this new market, where the potential is enormous?and where travel-retail is universally believed to be vital. Kevin Rozario reports.

With premium liquor under siege from external events and the growth of other product sectors, the category has had little to cheer about in recent years. Joe Bates goes in search of some good news and finds grounds for optimism

Next month Raven Fox Research produces its first product sector report, The Global Travel-Retail Market for Fashion 2004, which will cover all aspects of the growing fashion category. Sandra Newman gives a sneak preview of what it will reveal.

Luxury goods took a pounding in travel-retail this year as global crises deterred the affluent from travelling. But the well-heeled are ready to return to their spending ways, reports Jill Dunning.

The 2003 Airport Retail Study has highlighted the resilience of the airport retail sector. Despite the industry?s recent troubles, the average amount of retail floor space provided per passenger has continued to grow. And arrivals shopping has been one of the main beneficiaries. Ivo Favotto reports.

Aelia chairman and ceo Michel Perol is this issue?s guest columnist. He argues that volatility in traffic flows has made it more important than ever for operators to be fleet of foot and quick to react, and suggests that contract structures should be modified to take travelling nationalities into account.

Welcome to The Browser, a new regular feature in which Raven Fox online editor Gavin Lipsith seeks out some of the most intriguing stories from TRI website travelretailworld.com. In this issue, plotting is afoot in British Columbia, and a new trade body is about to be unleashed on Europe?s travel-retail business.

The Chinese tourist authorities are promoting Hainan Island as the country?s own Hawaii. Anna Fenton looks beyond the palm trees and paddy fields to assess the tropical island?s prospects as a tourist destination.

Deprived of its traditional rendezvous in Singapore, the travel-retail industry descends on Cannes this month determined to renew old acquaintances. For organiser Tax Free World Association, the event must salvage a wretched year. John Rimmer looks at what we can expect from this year?s show.