As TRBusiness charts its evolution through a quarter of a century of delivering independent news and analysis for the global travel retail and duty free industry, we share an advance look at a selection of the incredible messages of support shared by well-known industry figures that feature in our October edition.

From its inception in 1997 as The Duty Free Business (as it was known then), TRBusiness has earned its industry-wide reputation as an indispensable source of authoritative news and information.

Through two-and-a-half decades of navigating numerous industry crises, the company has pushed forward with its mission in ‘helping the industry grow’, fully embracing digital and bringing impactful events and awards to the fore. 

This milestone moment in the company’s history is now taking a turn in the spotlight with a dedicated feature in the October issue (out soon – see below) which tells the story of the company to date, complete with must-see archive images and pages of messages from leading industry figures and pioneers – three of which are shared below.

Celebrate with us in Cannes

[Until then, please have a read of the messages below. If you would like to share your own message to mark the 25th anniversary of TRBusiness, you can place a comment below or email us at [email protected]].

As well as celebrating the 25th anniversary in print and online, TRBusiness is hosting a party next week during the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes as part of the Global Travel Retail Awards, which is now sold out.

The awards ceremony afterparty, open to all awards ticket holders, will feature the fantastic live band Brightlights who will entertain the crowd until late.

Erik Juul-Mortensen President, TFWA

“Firstly, my sincere congratulations to all at TRBusiness as you celebrate 25 years of the magazine. A great achievement and a notable landmark.

“I have had the pleasure of following the magazine and the people behind it ever since the very beginning those 25 years ago. Times change, people come and go, but TRBusiness remains an important and valued contributor to our industry.

“Looking back on TRBusiness’ history, it’s important to acknowledge the role played by Doug Newhouse as Co-Founder and former Editorial Director of the publication.

Doug played a vital role not only in creating and building the magazine, but in reporting on and helping to shape the duty free and travel retail world as we know it today. Long before creating TRBusiness, Doug was a true supporter in the creation of TFWA, helping the small group of us through the many initial obstacles we faced and never wavering in his valuable and sound support.

“I am happy to say that throughout the 25 years of TRBusiness’ existence we have enjoyed this support and co-operation for which all of us at TFWA are very grateful. And the editorial values that Doug helped instil are visible in the work of the TRBusiness editorial team today.

“Throughout the 25 years, I have had the dubious pleasure of being interviewed several times by Doug, Charlotte and the team, and although as most people know this is not my favourite discipline, I have always enjoyed these knowing that the treatment would be straight and fair with no hidden agendas.

“The duty free & travel retail industry has been blessed with a rich and varied trade press that has nurtured a number of talented journalists and sales people. Long may that continue, and long may you at TRBusiness inform and enlighten our industry. Once again, sincere congratulations from us all at TFWA.”

Colm McLoughlin Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free

“Congratulations on your 25th anniversary, it is a great achievement. TRBusiness is one of the pioneering trade publications that has done a great job at delivering quality news, analysis and commentary on the travel retail industry.

“It is important that our industry has a reliable, trustworthy and approachable media and TRBusiness is very much in that category.

“I am delighted that the magazine is competing well today whether in print or online and through its events including the TR Consumer Forum and TR Sustainability Week, as well as its annual Global Travel Retail Awards where we were happy to be recognised a number of times.

“I have great memories of meeting the people who have worked with the publication over the years, including of course the inimitable Doug Newhouse. I am wishing the owners, Nigel and Janice and their team of Charlotte, Luke, Ben, Helen and Michael, continued success. Congratulations!”

Sunil Tuli CEO, King Power Group Hong Kong & President, APTRA

“I’ve considered TRBusiness to be a trusted source of valuable industry insight and information and I’ve always enjoyed working with the entire team, both personally, in my role at King Power Hong Kong and with APTRA.

“It’s fair to say that TRBusiness has been an avid and loyal supporter of APTRA right from the start, supporting our mission to serve the industry in Asia Pacific and we all greatly appreciate their partnership.

“Huge congratulations to the whole team on achieving this fantastic milestone, especially given the challenges of the last two years.”

The TRBusiness October and Top 10 International Operators issues will be available online in e-zine format soon and also in print at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference (2-6 October) in Cannes.

Simply pick up your copy at the magazine stands as you enter the Palais.