Nina Semprecht, Director Corporate Communications & External Affairs, on why industry associations, shared messaging, and dedicated advocacy are more important than ever.
A Turning Point for an Industry Long Considered Unshakable
For decades, travel retail was one of the most stable sectors in global commerce. While domestic retail faced digital disruption and shifting consumer expectations, airports remained sheltered environments where revenues grew reliably. Apart from occasional regulatory pressure, either from individual national governments or from international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) on duty-free tobacco, the industry experienced an unusually long period of stability.
The pandemic marked an abrupt end to this era. The standstill of international travel revealed vulnerabilities long masked by steady growth – reminding us just how dependent our business is on global mobility.
“Our cross-industry collaboration must focus on shaping the regulatory environment. Only by speaking with one strong, coherent voice can we ensure that future rules enable – rather than restrict – the vital role of travel retail in the global travel ecosystem.”
A New Landscape of Complex Challenges
Today, the “old normal” is unlikely to return. Geopolitical tensions, protectionism, and regulatory activism are increasingly shaping travel flows. Consumer groups are evolving, and new segments bring different expectations, digital habits, and value orientations. We are not experiencing a temporary downturn, but rather a structural transformation. Even though global travel volumes continue to rise, growth in passenger numbers does not automatically translate into sustainable profitability for our industry. The cost structures, regulatory pressures, and changing consumer dynamics we face mean that relying on top-line growth alone is no longer sufficient. Long-term success depends on strategic alignment, operational resilience, and a strong regulatory framework that enables our business model.
These challenges affect the entire ecosystem, so no company can address them alone. Collaboration has become a strategic imperative. In times of uncertainty, industries either drift apart or align. Travel retail is too interconnected and too politically exposed to rely on isolated approaches. What we need is unity – strong alliances, coherent messaging, and a clear, authoritative voice toward regulators and policymakers.
We must consistently explain our business model. Travel retail operates under commercial and legal conditions that differ fundamentally from those of domestic retail. If these distinctions are not understood, regulations may unintentionally undermine the very infrastructure they rely on – from airport financing to connectivity and tourism flows.
Our Commitment: Innovation by Tradition and Responsibility Beyond Our Business
Industry associations are central to this effort. They offer what informal networks cannot: structured access to political decision-makers, recognized platforms for advocacy, and the collective credibility needed to influence regulatory outcomes.
Collaboration already provides key data and messaging to support our sector’s importance. Through the ETRC (European Travel Retail Confederation) Business Performance Index, airports, retailers, and brands provide policymakers with transparent data on the size and development of our channel. The ETRC’s Economic Impact Study further quantifies our contribution. On a global scale, the united effort of associations, retailers, suppliers, and airports under the leadership of the Duty Free World Council contributed to the conclusion of WHO member states that duty-free tobacco is not a relevant source of illicit trade. This is a milestone that proves what a coordinated industry voice can achieve.
Moreover, strengthening cross-industry alliances with aviation partners, cruise operators, and tourism associations will be essential next steps. Many of the challenges we face are shared. Speaking together amplifies our impact.
Gebr. Heinemann has always evolved with its environment. Over 146 years, we have transformed from a ship chandler into a global travel retailer and distributor – driven by the conviction that innovation is part of our identity. However, innovation alone is not enough. We take responsibility for strengthening the industry as a whole. That is why we actively engage at the national, regional, and global levels to ensure that the relevance and contribution of travel retail are fully understood.
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future Through Regulatory Leadership
Our industry is at a crossroads. The challenges are real – but so is the opportunity to reinvent and future-proof travel retail. This requires courage, collaboration, and a willingness to rethink long established structures.
Most importantly, our cross-industry collaboration must increasingly focus on actively shaping the regulatory environment in which we operate. Only by speaking with one strong, coherent voice can we ensure that future rules enable – rather than restrict – the vital role of travel retail in the global travel ecosystem.
Furthermore, strengthening cross-industry collaboration offers direct benefits to passengers by advancing the goal of seamless travel. By working together across sectors, we can address shared challenges and create solutions that enhance the end-to-end travel experience – making journeys smoother, more connected, and more enjoyable for travelers worldwide. This unified approach not only secures the future of travel retail, but also contributes to greater convenience and satisfaction for every passenger.
At Gebr. Heinemann, we are committed to this responsibility. Only together can we ensure a vibrant, trusted, and resilient industry for generations to come.
Contact
Nina Semprecht
N_Semprecht@gebr-heinemann.de