Power panel and China research highlights at Barcelona symposium

Gavin Lipsith

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A retailer power panel and some exclusive research on the Chinese consumer underpinned an original agenda at the first European Travel Partnership Symposium

A rousing discussion on approaches to retail branding was one of the highlights of the inaugural European Travel Partnership Symposium, held last week at the Eurostars Grand Marina hotel in Barcelona.

Alpha Airports Group CEO Peter Williams and The Nuance Group director of strategy and business development Brian Carson exchanged differing views on whether airport retailers should adopt similar branding across their portfolios or introduce unique retail fascias at different locations. Carson reported that Nuance had found the latter strategy beneficial, particularly in Australia, where it has launched the Syd Tax and Duty Free brand at Sydney International airport. Williams argued that retailers need to build one solid retail brand that passengers could relate to, and said that Alpha would be doing exactly that, starting with its new store in Manchester International airport terminal one, due to open next year.

AC Nielsen China executive director Rene Bos provided another highlight with some exclusive research into Chinese consumers’ shopping habits in Europe. Bos explained that many Chinese travellers already have a strong preference to shopping in airport duty-free stores, although in Europe they are sometimes put off by language constraints and by unfamiliarity with security regulations.

Other strong sessions included Diageo consumer planning manager Mark Davies’ explanation of the latest consumer research carried out by the leading liquor supplier, a session exploring the possibility of marketing to the gay traveller market and a panel discussion on tackling confusion amid the current liquids security crisis.

On the first evening of the conference delegates were treated to an opening cocktail party courtesy of Ron Zacapa, and on the second night guests enjoyed a fun night at the trendy Astoria Opium, where Puma, Heineken and Diageo joined forces to lead the revelries.

A full report on the first European Travel Partnerhsip Symposium will appear in DFNI October 1.