With a wealth of airport retail performance indicators now available, isn?t it time to measure perhaps the most important factor of all?what the passengers make of it? The Global Airport Monitor does just that. Joe Bates analyses the top airports in each of the four size categories to find out what makes them so good.

The recent Baltic & Eastern European Travel Retail Conference organised by TRI publisher Raven Fox was a perfect opportunity for the trade to discuss the implications of EU enlargement. Joe Bates reports on how operators expect to cope with the changes.

With the Czech Republic due to join the European Union in less than a year, Jonathan Brown finds operators are preparing for the worst, as they lose tax-free sales. But they are still making sure they are in a position to reap the rewards of integration.

With the cancellation of this year?s TFWA Asia Pacific show, how will suppliers with gift-oriented ranges fill the marketing gap? Neena Dhillon spoke to five suppliers and found that while some were putting plans on hold, others were capitalising on the lack of competitors, proving Asia?s long-term growth potential.

Over the past two years cruise operators have reported a surge in bookings, making the business one of today?s few healthy travel sectors. And with a younger, eager-to-spend clientele onboard, operators and suppliers are falling over themselves to grab a piece of the action. Gavin Lipsith examines the implications for the cigar business.

Over the past 20 years the Davidoff brand has grown to the point where it is represented in five categories in over 120 countries. In this exclusive TRI interview president Dr Ernst Schneider tells Gavin Lipsith about the company?s approach to diversification and globalisation.

As the SARS outbreak stabilises, Asian travellers are ready to start travelling again. But when will numbers return to normal?in the summer or only in the fourth quarter? In her update on Asia/Pacific Anna Fenton asks travel retailers to give their verdict.

Pernod Ricard is to reposition Chivas Regal 12yo, the second best-selling Scotch whisky in travel-retail, with a worldwide advertising campaign focusing on life-affirming themes such as sharing, celebration and quality of life.

New promotional deals for airport retailers are being offered by Imperial Tobacco for its West cigarettes, based on the brand?s sponsorship of the West McLaren Mercedes Formula One team.

Dutch cigar supplier Agio?s travel-retail sales for the year so far are up 23% compared with last year, with flagship brand Mehari?s outperforming expectations.

Nestlé International Travel Retail teamed up with Longines watches for a promotion at ChocStop International at Kuala Lumpur International airport.

Dunas picks up prize...Wedgwood gets onboard Cunard...Grouse gets makeover...New pack for Polignac...Cosmoprof wins Kraft portfolio...TRW attracts new sponsors

Exclusive Tommy goes travelling...Bvlgari gets set for action...Ghost adds touch of Serenity...Noa way for Cacharel

Bear-ing the crown...Gifted approach from Le Creuset

Wet look from Lancôme...Origins brightens skin with fruit...Clinique conceals with a pen...La Prairie plans for Radiance...YSL gets fruity

Glenlivet packs up...Triple tradition for Porfidio...Habanos comes to the point...House of Prince converts to Christian

The perfect gift from Trussardi...Longchamp extends for autumn

Constant movement...Fila goes to Bits...Sintra birthday celebration

Despite the crisis in the air transport sector over the past two years, retailing has become more important to airports, not less. Ivo Favotto examines a new trend?the ?sweating?, or maximising, of airport retail assets.

Zeinal Hermanos...Varig...BAA...Zirh International...Higland Park...Bristol International airport

This month?s guest columnist Brian Collie argues that only a new, collaborative approach between airport and retailer can prosper in uncertain times.

Despite its size and geography Hawaii has generated a lot of column inches in the travel-retail press over the years. Recently coverage has centred on the battle between incumbent retailer DFS and the state governor?s office over rental fees. But State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division property manager Ross Smith has other things on his mind. He speaks to Adele Wolstenhulme in the first part of an exclusive series of interviews from the US island state.

It?s not just the top fashion houses that have branched out making successful scents. Now everyone is developing a signature fragrance. Jane Labous asks new contenders and old-timers what makes a good fashion brand fragrance, and why fashion and fragrances make such a winning partnership.

Cutting-edge DNA technology in Lancaster?s latest skincare launch heralds a revitalisation of the brand. A tall order? Kevin Rozario went to Monaco to find out.

Using data uncovered by the Raven-Fox Horizon Consumer Insight analysis, Dr Ian Cesa explains how retailers can use a simple equation to work out whether an effective marketing strategy involves converting people browsing or increasing footfall.

TRI received the following letter from Aer Rianta International?Middle East (ARI?ME) managing director John Sutcliffe in response to the main interview in our April/May issue. The interview contained comments from Weitnauer deputy chief operating officer Eurasia & Asia Jan Baljet about the business in the region and about ARI?ME. In this section, we give ARI?ME the right to reply.

It?s that time of year again when travelling consumers around the world get the chance to be judge and jury on the entire airport experience and what it has to offer, courtesy of International Air Transport Association?s Global Airport Monitor.