Furla launches Autumn Winter 2014 PreCollection: A Journey in Italy

AUTUMN colours and the natural beauty of the Italian landscape are the inspiration for Furla’s Autumn Winter 2014 pre-collection. Colours, shapes and styles have been developed along the theme of ‘a journey through the essence of a beautiful country, full of art and tradition, yet always in search of innovation and modernity’.

As always, the pre-collection oozes a love for quality, detail, sophistication and elegance, yet combined with modern designs, new materials and innovative techniques. Modernity is inspired by Italy’s new eco-friendly architecture, inspiring the volumes and shapes of the collection. Colours come from the rustic and vibrant shades of the land and with warm autumn leaf tones of Caramello, New Cuoio and Choco; natural colours Acacia, Mandorla, Soave inspired by wood and marble; and reds (both bold and soft) such as Flamma and Acacia are inspired the colours of nature. A touch of Oxford light blue is inspired by the clear sky of Italian autumn mornings, while Cabernet and Soave lend their names to famous Italian wines.

Alongside these main colours, a new graphic Maxi Zebra is introduced along with an ultra chic version of the Animalier theme in Pitone and a very sophisticated Mirror Spazzolato copper tone metallic theme.

Styles play on the idea that opposites attract with combinations of traditional and innovative, shiny and matte materials, feminine and geometric shapes. New materials used for the collection include Lucertolina Tejus, calf printed with a lizard texture, buffed and finished with aniline; Vit St Zebra, the characteristic zebra pattern reproduced through digital printing on cow leather; and Mirror Rame, polished calf leather onto which metal laminated paper is applied. These join existing leathers includes Ares, Abrasivato, Nappa, Saffiano and Vit. St. Pitone Diamante.

All designs are completed with new linings, new look Furla charms and updated logo lettering.

As always the collection is divided into Basic, Premium, Iconic, Fashion and Candy themes with a combination of carryover lines and new looks.

The Basic range focuses on essential design, functionality and use, offering great value bags at a minimal price without compromising on function and fashion. Styles for Autumn/ Winter include bags refreshed in soft Cervo leather for the season featuring new Furla charms designed to elevate the brand image. Look out for fabulous totes in the new seasonal colours. Example travel retail prices are €230.

The Premium segment focuses on on-trend designs combining design, functionality and price positioning. Two new styles in satchel and hobo shapes offer sporty chic with effortless silhouettes in soft cervo and an elevated premium line in nappa leather with functional external pockets and strong design appeal through contrasting colours. Modern totes also feature in this segment featuring internal compartments which are perfect for today’s tech needs. Typical travel retail prices are €320.

The Icon line builds Furla’s brand image and value with unique, irreplaceable and timeless pieces which go beyond functionality to becoming desirable items in their own right. Refreshed shapes for the next season come in new colour combinations with feature styles such as a Small Dome. Best sellers come in new materials such as Lucertolina and Zebra with Metallics introduced for the third delivery. Typical travel retail prices are €360.

Furla’s Fashion offer combines unique shapes, materials and colours, evolving the brand and keeping it right up to date with design innovation. New styles feature the seasonal Globe Dome ‘It’ bag, offered in the exotic Lucertolina print and Abrasivato leather. Right on trend, modern yet timeless, the Globe Dome has eye catching new zipper pull details giving this structured silhouette style its own movement.

Also featured is the must-have mini crossbody – functional, fashionable and lightweight. The shape is available in various materials from basic Ares and Saffiano to Metallics and Zebra, creating day and evening offers. Typical travel retail prices are €198.

Furla’s highly successful CANDY collection in gomma gel is refreshed for the season in new solid colourways including Caramel and Acacia neutrals with pops of colours such as Oxford and Cabernet. New novelty studs are mixed with the gomma gel to provide variety and texture. Also featured are styles with Zebra graphics and a Metallic version for the third delivery. Typical travel retail prices start from €98.

Autumn Winter 2014 also sees a review of Furla’s small leathergoods range with a focus on key sizes and functionality of wallets. Internal and external construction has been reviewed with new flap dimensions and rounded corners to give extra femininity. Coincase pockets have been simplified for a slim look, while improved wallet closures now use two buttons to secure rather than one.

External quality has also been improved with all edge finishes in leather, metal external zips and a new Mouaré lining.

‘Furla is going from strength to strength in travel retail and we have a very busy year ahead of us in 2014,’ says Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday. ‘In order to not only maintain but grow our brand presence and popularity, each collection must offer something new and different, innovative and yet still with classic quality, form and function. Yet again, the designers have come up with a superb offer which I am sure will delight our customers all over the world.’

Scandlines BorderShop opens new Glenfiddich Whisky Corner with William Grant & Sons

November 9^th saw the opening of a new premium Glenfiddich Whisky Corner at Scandlines BorderShop in Puttgarden in partnership with William Grant & Sons Global Travel Retail and local distributor Hans Just A/S. The official ‘Grand Opening’ takes place on November 27.

The 100sq m shop-in-shop, designed and built by HRG, aims to raise the profile of all whiskies within the store through the creation of a sophisticated and elegant zone featuring wood furnishings, a combination of wall bays and gondolas, plus a central bar which is signed ‘Discover the Perfect Whisky’ and has a ‘Tasting’ area.

While Glenfiddich is the main focus brand within the area, other William Grant & Sons brands are also available including The Balvenie, Grant’s, Tullamore D.E.W. and Monkey Shoulder. Non William Grant & Sonsbrands are also offered.

‘This new Glenfiddich Whisky Corner provides an eye-catching, dedicated setting for customers, both introducing a variety of premium, ultra-premium and rare quality whiskies to new customers whilst also engaging with existing aficionados,’ says Scandlines BorderShop Category Manager Martin Olsen. ‘This new environment is part of our ongoing mission to upgrade the quality of our offer to customers, with a particular focus on our Swedish friends.’

Included within the area is a Special Selection display which includes premium and travel retail exclusive presentations such as Glenfiddich Age of Discovery collection, The Balvenie 25 Year Old and Glenfiddich 21 Year Old.

Adds Olsen: ‘We are really excited about the new look of the Whisky Corner. William Grant & Son has done an excellent job in recreating the spirit of whisky within the atmosphere of the shop. We hope that customers will enjoy the full whisky experience whilst being introduced to some of the very best new, exclusive and rare whisky expressions.’

William Grant and Sons Director Europe Travel Retail André de Almeida comments: ‘We are thrilled to have been able to work with Scandlines and Hans Just on the opening of this new Glenfiddich Whisky Corner. It is fantastic to be a part of a team dedicated to upgrading and improving the image of whisky in an interesting and engaging way for consumers – enabling them to experience, enjoy and hopefully buy! I must thank the teams at Scandlines and our distributor, Hans Just, for their great work.’’

The opening of the Glenfiddich Whisky Corner illustrates the importance of the Nordic region to the William Grant & Sons portfolio, where border trade is an integral part of the Scandinavian way of life: ‘This new concept provides us with a unique opportunity to reach the consumer in Nordic markets, and through the Glenfiddich Whisky Corner we are both building value and supporting one of our valued customers,’ adds de Almeida.

William Grant & Sons uses Hans Just A/S as its exclusive Nordic distributor for all brands.

Notes to Editor

About William Grant & Sons

• William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1886. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey.

• Click on www.williamgrant.com and www.glenfiddich.com for more information on the Company and its brands

Davidoff’s new design at MEADFA – A special brand experience from start to finish

Imperial Tobacco is proud to announce its on-going commitment for this year’s MEADFA (Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association) Conference and will again offer delegates a chance to network and experience a premium quality Davidoff cigarette during breaks.

Every year hundreds of key stakeholders from all over the world gather for the annual MEADFA conference - an important event for the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Business. Following Cairo and Dubai, this year’s conference will be held in Qatar on 25-26 November at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha. This year will mark Imperial Tobacco’s fourth consecutive year as a Platinum sponsor of this ever growing event, the highlight being its dedicated smoking lounge.

At MEADFA this year, smokers can experience the new design for the Davidoff core range, introduced at the recent TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes this October.

Imperial Tobacco Trade Marketing Director Global Duty Free Christian L. Münstermann said: ‘This latest rejuvenation will fascinate shoppers with its new design details which clearly meet the traveller’s needs for luxurious design and premium quality product experience.’

Imperial Tobacco has designed a brand new smoking lounge which, alongside the smoking moment and chance to discover Davidoff premium quality products, offers MEADFA delegates a number of really useful premium services such as a luggage drop off station, mobile recharge station and neck massage.

‘Davidoff not only understands the need of travellers’ but we want to translate this concept of premium service also for the delegates at MEADFA. Davidoff is about premium design experience all the way,’ adds Julia Neumaier Imperial Tobacco Trade Marketing Operations Manager Global Duty Free.

Another highlight of the conference: All delegates visiting the smoking lounge are invited to leave their business cards for a raffle which will be drawn on the MEADFA conference stage during the second morning. The lucky winner will receive a voucher to spend at Qatar Duty Free.

Visit MEADFA 2013 in Doha and indulge in your Davidoff moment.

The new design Davidoff core range will be launched throughout Global Duty Free starting from November 2013.

Furla appoints new Travel Retail Manager for Europe & In-Flight

Furla is delighted to welcome a new member to its Travel Retail team. Riccardo Battaglino joins the company as Travel Retail Manager for Europe & In-flight, with immediate effect.

Riccardo joins Furla from Longchamp, where he has worked as Area Manager since January 2012. Prior to that he worked for various luxury brands including Alexander McQueen, Prada, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabanna and Gucci.

“We are delighted to have Riccardo on board, he brings a great deal of all round experience in the fashion industry and will be a valuable asset to the travel retail team.,” says Gerry Munday, Global Travel Retail Director.

Notes to editors

Last year Furla reported a turnover of €212 million, representing an 18% increase from 2011. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reached 15%, equal to €32 million. Furthermore, in the same period, Furla's travel retail business has increased by 93%.

Today Furla is present in 91 countries with five subsidiaries in France, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and the United States. 80% of distribution is retail, with 328 mono-brand stores (153 Furla boutiques and 175 authorised retailers), and 20% via wholesale through 1290 select multi-brand and department stores.

MARS ITR APPOINTS GLOBAL CATEGORY MANAGER TO FURTHER DRIVE SECTOR GROWTH

Mars International Travel Retail has appointed Manon de Gunst in the newly created role of Global Category Manager International Travel Retail (Duty Free). The position reflects MITR’s commitment to grow the confectionery category within travel retail for the benefit of all key stakeholders – including other brands.

Manon was picked for the role because of her expertise within a number of leading FMCG and retail companies in global brand and concept (re)building, innovation (NPD and business models), and building and translating consumer and business intelligence platforms. Manon joins the company from the biggest FMCG company in wine (within North West Europe) (Baarsma Wine Group Holding) where, as global marketing manager, she was responsible for global positioning and branding, NPD and innovation, and agency/distributor support. Prior to this she worked as Consumer Insights & Capability Manager for Gall & Gall, the leading wine & spirits retailer in the Netherlands, significantly contributing to growth of both the wine and whisky categories through loyalty programmes, annual events, customer offers etc.

As the founder of FABinspiration (Food & Beverage inspiration) Manon gained experience within the international travel retail industry, executing various strategic marketing projects for a number of major companies including Autogrill, She also organized the "Business Model Innovation Food & Beverage industry" seminar earlier this year attended by 22 CEOs and CFOs of FMGC companies including Heineken, Sara Lee, DE Masterblenders, Unilever, Bacardi, Lucas Bols, and Baarsma Wine Group Holding.

A multi-award winner and high achiever, Manon’s remit with Mars ITR is to develop a new global category vision and Category Management Programme for the company’s confectionery portfolio and oversee its rollout internationally.

Says MITR Marketing Director Lieke Duijmelings ‘ We see Category Management as essential in further developing and growing the confectionery sector within travel retail, to the benefit of all: airports, retailers, brands and – of course – consumers. Manon brings an incredible skill set to Mars and will combine her knowledge and expertise in creating a CMP based on a combination of retailer/operator and consumer insights that – in conjunction with a programme of new product innovation, activation and promotion – will set a benchmark for the industry.

Adds Manon: ‘This new role at MITR offers an incredible opportunity and I am delighted to have the chance to add value and make the difference by devising the Category Management strategy moving forward. My first objective is to build business and consumer intelligence and insights which can be translated into commercial opportunities for both Mars ITR and our customers. By asking retailers simple questions such as “How can we help you become more profitable and achieve your objectives”, we can create the tools to build a Category Management platform that works for all.’

With its strong portfolio of brands, Mars International Travel Retail aims to work with retailers to provide unique experiences for travellers that create positive and long lasting memories. Key brand

M&Ms continues to go from strength to strength within travel retail using powerful activations and promotions, while brands such as Celebrations, Dove/Galaxy, Skittles and new Teasers are rapidly establishing their presence in the gifting, snacking and sharing sectors. ‘Our goal is to build M&Ms to become the No 2 confectionery brand within travel retail over the next three years. A strong Category Management programme is an important element of this ambition – and it certainly an ambition which we consider to be realistic,’ adds Lieke.

Further enquiries: Lindy Spierings, Marketing Coordinator – International Travel Retail Mars Nederland BV. Tel: +31 (0) 413 383857. Email: lindy.spierings@effem.com.

Press enquiries: Row Holland, Essential Communications. Tel: +44 (0) 208 405 8109. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

November 2013

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF EXPLORATION WITH GLENFIDDICH

Distiller launches exclusive Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection Gift Pack

Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection Gift Pack offering global travellers an exclusive chance to experience a range of three pioneering 19 Year Old whiskies.

The innovative Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection celebrates the remarkable pioneering spirit of early adventurers; those who made extraordinary journeys that revolutionised our understanding of the world, and still exhilarate us today. The beautifully presented gift box is made up of three individual 20cl bottles containing; Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish, Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve and Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Red Wine Cask Finish, making this an ideal gift for the discerning drinker, keen to expand on their whisky-tasting adventure.

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish celebrates the adventurous spirit of 15^th century Portuguese explorers who discovered the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira, reinterpreting our geographical understanding of the world. This whisky marks a series of firsts, being not only the first 19 Year Old Glenfiddich, but the first to be finished in Madeira casks and the first release in the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery range.

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve is inspired by the great American rivers that brought commerce and industry to the cities in the South during the 19^th century whisky industry boom. It is a rich and velvety single malt Scotch whisky completely matured in traditional American Bourbon casks.

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Red Wine Cask Finish pays homage to Charles Darwin’s legendary voyage upon HMS Beagle to South America in 1831. An adventurous whisky, bursting with flavour, it is finished in casks which previously housed full bodied red wines produced in South America, marking another Glenfiddich milestone.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master commented: “This range celebrates the discoveries and explorations of the most determined voyagers who have shaped history. At Glenfiddich, since the first spirit flowed from our stills over 125 years ago, we have strived to be pioneering in our whisky-making. Symbolising many firsts for our distillery, the rich and delicious whiskies in the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection Gift Pack make it an excellent choice for the malt connoisseur keen to explore all three expressions.”

The three 20cl bottles are displayed in a striking, premium gift box featuring the maps that chart the pioneering journeys which have inspired each of the whiskies in the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection. The exclusive, beautifully designed packaging makes this a truly unique present.

Testament to the exquisiteness of these whiskies and Glenfiddich’s position as the World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch Whisky, each whisky from the range has won a host of awards. Most recently both Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish and Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve were awarded gold medals at the 2013 Scotch Whisky Masters and the International Spirits Challenge. Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve was also named Best Speyside Single Malt (13-20 years) at the World Whiskies Awards.

The Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection Gift Pack is available from October exclusively in Global Travel Retail outlets and at The Glenfiddich Distillery.

Notes to editors

• 3x 20cl bottle with 40% ABV
• Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Collection Gift Pack will be exclusively available in Global Travel Retail outlets and at The Glenfiddich Distillery Shop

Tasting notes:

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish

Nose

• A deep earthy aroma of sweet ripe figs and orange marmalade form a backdrop to bright notes of fresh gooseberries and grapes ripening on the vine

Taste

• Rich and spicy, cinnamon and crushed black pepper rest on a base of deep earthy notes, caramelised fruits, crystallised ginger, raisins and hints of dry oak. The texture is satisfying, silky smooth – almost oily

Finish

• Pleasingly dry with warmth that fades into a lingering sweet marmalade finish 

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve

Nose

• Warm, crunchy toffee and deep citrus notes, marmalade on toast and a whiff of a fine old orange liqueur, are balanced by dry almost smoky notes of oak tannin

Taste

• Intriguing layers of light tannin, underpinned by rich notes of vanilla pod, fine leather and Havana tobacco. Develops into a sweet, velvety mouth-feel with spicy hints of cardamom and nutmeg

Finish

• Warm, delightful long finish

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Red Wine Cask Finish

Nose

• Toasted marshmallow, red berry and vanilla oak tannin - ripe fruits and a hint of woody spice

Taste

• Spicy notes on first taste – deep and smooth with velvety sweetness.  Rich oak notes and berry sweetness

Finish

• Sweet with a long lingering tannin

About William Grant & Sons and Glenfiddich

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1886. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Scotch whisky Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

Recent Awards:

International Spirits Challenge 2013

• Gold: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish *
• Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve *
• Gold: Glenfiddich 125^th Anniversary Edition
• Gold: Glenfiddich Ultimate 38 Year Old

Scotch Whisky Masters Awards 2013

• Master: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
• Master: Glenfiddich Ultimate 38 Year Old
• Master: Glenfiddich 125^th Anniversary Edition
• Gold: Glenfiddich Rich Oak
• Gold: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Distillery Edition 15 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish *
• Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve *
• Gold: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition
• Gold: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old

International Wine and Spirit Competition 2013

• Trophy for Single Malt Cask Strength: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
• Gold Outstanding: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition
• Gold: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Rich Oak
• Gold: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

Click on www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands

TFWA APPOINTS FRANÇOIS JULLIEN TO EXHIBITIONS ROLE

TFWA is pleased to announce the appointment of François Jullien to the role of Exhibitions Director in charge of Commercial & Logistics at TFWA following the departure of Mathieu Vanhalst.

Jullien took up his appointment on 4^th November 2013 and is based in Paris reporting to Alain Maingreaud, Managing Director.

François Jullien has worked for more than 20 years in business-to-business communications, helping leading brands to deliver their messages through press, exhibitions, conferences, workshops and events. From entrepreneur to contractor for leading trade fairs, Jullien has embraced the whole spectrum of exhibition design, commercialisation and logistics.

Most recently, Jullien was an independent Operations and Program Director and his projects in this role included the launch of a premium event dedicated to digital mobility, IT and human resources for Comexposium in Paris.

Mathieu Vanhalst left TFWA at the end of September after seven years to take up a new position as travel retail manager for Paris and Singapore-based fashion and accessories distributor, ALD International.

Alain Maingreaud: “Mathieu has been a valuable member of the TFWA team. We will miss his professional and energetic approach and we wish him all the best in his new position.

“We are delighted to have found in François Jullien a replacement who has all the attributes of a fine Exhibitions Director.”

TFWA is taking this opportunity to reorganise its permanent team and reinforce the new Exhibitions Department with the management of the customer relations function. At the same time, and in order to further strengthen the relationship and communication with the members of TFWA, all corporate functions have been put together in a Corporate Department reporting to John Rimmer, Conference, Research and Corporate Affairs Director.

The Marketing Department continues to be led by Cécile Lamotte, Marketing Director, the Information Technology Department by Ana Homawoo, IT Director, and the Finance Department by Sylvie Guigue, Finance Manager.

For information about the activities of TFWA please consult www.tfwa.com.

Ends

TYKO SEEKS TRAVEL RETAIL EUROPEAN ACCOUNT MANAGER

The rapidly expanding watch and sunglasses specialist, Tyko Travel Retail, is seeking a European Account Manager, to be based in the UK.

Reporting to the Director of Global Travel Retail, the successful candidate will be challenged with identifying strategic new opportunities whilst maintaining and growing a well-established European travel retail account base.

Candidates should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the travel retail sector which they can use to strategically build business throughout Europe.

A young company, Tyko Travel Retail has been delivering No 1 in-category products to over 100 airlines and operators and supplied over 8 million watches since 2008. Creating and building inspiring brands, the company offers affordable fashion that can drive volume sales for travel retailers in the air and on the ground.

For further information please email sales@tyco.co.uk

November 2013

WiT MEETING IN CANNES BRINGS TOTAL RAISED FOR ‘A DROP OF LIFE’ TO HKD390,000 (€37,000)

The Women in Travel meeting in Cannes on Tuesday 22^nd October, brought the WiTs very close to achieving their target of HK$520,000 to build a dam to bring clean water supplies to a thousand people in a remote region of China.

The prize draw and silent auction raised just over €8,000 thanks to the great generosity of exhibitors and retailers who participated and donated superb prizes for the draw, and DFS, Furla, Bally, Bacardi, Moet Hennessy and La Prairie, whose items went into a silent auction.

This sum was boosted by an incredibly generous donation from The Edrington Group of HK$100,000 (€9,370), presented at the event by Ryan Hill , bringing the total raised at the event to €17,500. Money is still to come in from the auction of a bottle of rare Baron Otard ‘Fortis et Fidelis’ cognac kindly offered by Bacardi.

“As usual we had a fantastic turnout of women from across the industry at our event, with many new faces, and their efforts in working so hard to sell entries into the prize draw were pivotal in raising this extraordinary sum ,” says WiT member and supporter Gerry Munday. “Catherine Bonelli was our star fundraiser and in addition, there are many others we would like to thank: Rob Grossman and his team from Questexhibits for their invaluable help in collecting and delivering the prizes and supplying the champagne flutes, Follador for the Prosecco served at the event, Rowena at Essential Communications and the trade media for raising awareness of the project, and TFWA – particularly Marissa Phanivong.”

“The biggest thank you, however, must go to everyone in the travel retail industry who made donations, bought prize draw entries and bid in the silent auction”, says WiT founder Sarah Branquinho: “Year after year we ask the industry to dig deep into their pockets for various charities and year after year they do. “

The last word goes to Tina Tam, who proposed ‘A Drop of Life’ as this year’s WiT charity: “In less than 6 months we have raised a staggering HKD390,000, with special mention for the significant donation from King Power (Hong Kong) and I am confident that over the next couple of months we will reach the final target of HK$520,000. For these remotemmunities, water is the most precious commodity.  Each bucket of water needs to be fetched from several miles away, and all in the community are involved - children even sacrifice schooling in order to source the water needed to keep their families alive. The dam, once built, will free up children to go back to school and bring clean water to hundreds of people, improving their health and their lives immeasurably.”

Over the last year the Women in Travel group has continued to grow and WiT meetings have been held at major trade events across the globe. Providing a fantastic networking event and a great opportunity to make contacts and renew friendships, the next WiT networking meeting will be held during MEADFA in Doha. Further details will follow in due course.

For more information and to donate prizes, please contact any of the following:

Sarah Branquinho - sarah.branquinho@wdfg.com;

Gerry Munday – gerry.munday@furla.com;

Catherine Bonelli

Tina Tam – tina.tam@laprairiegroup.ch

Amanda Felix – amanda.felix@dfnionline.com

Lois Pasternak – parsnip5@aol.com

Marissa Phanivong – m.phanivong@tfwa.com

Media queries to:

Rowena Holland - row@essentialcommunications.org

Note to Editors:

A Drop of Life is an NGO in Hong Kong, which brings water and hope to remote villages in China. The Northwest part of China is one of the driest regions in the world. Annual rainfall is only about 300mm and the annual evaporation rate is as high as 1,500-2,000mm, so water is the most luxurious and precious necessity in the area.

Women in Travel (WIT) was established over 5 years ago as a forum for the women in the
travel retail industry.  It allows us a privileged medium to exchange ideas, and just as importantly to support people in need who we believe would benefit from our help. From year to year we help different groups or communities (from Haiti to India to Sichuan) to help themselves, with a strong focus on children.