Latin America And Caribbean News

(15-Apr-2005) Retailers may consider it a chore, but keeping an eye on regulatory changes is critical to the industry, as IAADFS Washington lobbyist Jon Kent tells DFNI

(15-Apr-2005) Competition in the Mexican duty-free market is intense, with international operators Aldeasa and Dufry Group vying for supremacy with local specialists. The result is a vibrant business characterised by strong growth and regular renovation, reports John Gallagher

(15-Apr-2005) San Juan International airport concessionaire Bared Group enjoyed the best year in its history in 2004. Record sales have enabled the operator to implement an extensive renovation programme and the outlook for 2005 looks bright. John Gallagher talks to president Luis Bared Sr and his son Jorge

(15-Apr-2005) Ferry company Buquebus, which operates routes linking Argentina and Uruguay, has benefited not only from the improving spending power of Latin Americans but also from increased international tourism to the region. John Rimmer gets an update on progress from onboard concessionaire and port store operator Zeinal Hermanos

(15-Apr-2005) BRAZIL. Leading Brazilian duty-free retailer Brasif Duty Free Shop plans to relocate one of its departures outlets at São Paulo International airport in a bid to improve penetration rates

(15-Apr-2005) LATIN AMERICA. Latin American trade association Asociación Sudamericana de Tiendas Libres (ASUTIL) is to lobby governments in the Mercosur trading bloc to adopt a $500 arrivals shopping allowance across the region

(15-Apr-2005) MEXICO. Airport authority Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) has pledged to upgrade its commercial offer in 2005 following a strong start to the year

(15-Apr-2005) PARAGUAY/BRAZIL. Paraguay and Brazil are to increase the duty-free allowance for tourists crossing the Friendship Bridge at Paraguay's Ciudad del Este from $150 to $300

(15-Apr-2005) US duty-free distributor Haleybrooke International has signed an agreement to represent Tequila Siete Leguas in the Americas and selected international markets

(15-Apr-2005) US-based World Tour Enterprises is widening the roll-out of its line of Tommy Bahama men's watches