Travel Retail Leaders to Discuss Future Trends in Davos Summit

Leading Travel Retail Figures to Convene in Davos

A prominent panel discussion focused on travel retail and its evolving role within the broader aviation, travel, and tourism ecosystem is set to take place in Davos on January 19, 2026. The session aims to examine crucial dynamics shaping the industry, especially through the lens of technological advancements and an unpredictable global landscape.

Hosted at the Stall Valär Restaurant in Davos Platz, the event titled “Navigating change in an uncertain and AI-driven world” will span approximately 45 minutes to an hour starting from 6 pm.

Industry Experts to Share Perspectives

The session will feature key figures who hold executive positions in major travel retail and airport organizations:

• Xavier Rossinyol, CEO of Avolta
• Stefan Gross, Chief Commercial Officer at Zurich Airport
• Beste Ermaner, Vice President of PMI Global Travel Retail
• Joost Rosmuller, Vice President and Managing Director of Mondelez World Travel Retail

Moderation will be provided by Dermot Davitt, President of The Moodie Davitt Report, setting the stage for an engaging discussion about the sector’s trajectory amid the forces of change.

Scope and Access

The event is open not only to stakeholders within the travel retail domain but also to delegates attending the World Economic Forum during the same timeframe, encouraging a wide-ranging discourse. The discussion will be recorded and later broadcast on relevant media channels to amplify its reach.

Travel Retail’s Evolving Role in the Global Tourism Industry

Travel retail, situated at the nexus of consumer purchasing during travel, plays a vital part in the overall tourist experience and airport ecosystem. This sector drives significant economic value by merging retail with the travel environment, bringing products and exclusive offerings directly to travelers in airports and other transit hubs.

In recent years, travel retail has experienced shifts influenced by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and changing traveler behavior patterns. These factors increasingly demand innovative approaches to sustain growth and meet consumer expectations.

Historical Context of Travel Retail

Travel retail began to take shape as air travel expanded post-World War II, evolving alongside airports transforming into commercial hubs. Initially dominated by duty-free shops offering limited product ranges, the sector progressively diversified into luxury goods, dining, entertainment, and branded experiences.

Over decades, collaborations between airlines, airports, and global brand owners transformed travel retail into an industry intertwined with both tourism and consumer markets.

The expansion of international air traffic and tourism globalization further elevated the strategic importance of travel retail, especially as airports became gateways not just for transit but for consumer engagement. These developments set the stage for today’s sophisticated retail environments that combine convenience, exclusivity, and experiential shopping.

The Future Outlook of Travel Retail in Tourism

Looking ahead, travel retail is poised to maintain its crucial role by adapting swiftly to emerging trends. The integration of AI technologies promises more personalized experiences, predictive analytics, and operational efficiencies. Moreover, sustainability concerns and shifting consumer values will influence product offerings and brand partnerships within the sector.

As global tourism continues to rebound and evolve, the synergy between travel retail and the larger tourism ecosystem will strengthen. This will have implications across destinations, airports, and travel experiences, inviting opportunities for innovation in retail offerings and service delivery.

Key Factors Shaping the Path Forward

• Technology Adoption: AI and digital tools changing consumer interaction and backend operations.
• Consumer Preferences: Demand for authentic, sustainable, and exclusive products.
• Global Mobility Trends: Influenced by economic growth, demographic shifts, and travel patterns.
• Industry Collaboration: Synergistic partnerships between travel retail operators, airports, and brands.

How This Relates to Sailing and Boat Rentals

Though travel retail often evokes images of airports and land-based shopping experiences, its influence ripples across the broader travel and tourism fields, including marina and yacht destinations. As travelers increasingly seek unique experiences combined with convenience, intersections between retail and leisure activities such as sailing are natural growth areas.

Yacht charters and sailing excursions can benefit from integrating tailored retail and service offerings that dovetail with passengers’ lifestyle preferences, enhancing the overall maritime travel experience. Similarly, port locations and marinas could adopt advanced retail concepts pioneered in travel retail to better serve discerning boaters and sailing tourists.

Summary and Conclusion

The upcoming high-level panel in Davos underscores the growing importance of travel retail as a dynamic force in the global travel and tourism economy. By addressing key challenges and opportunities related to AI, evolving consumer demands, and industry collaboration, the event promises valuable insights for a wide range of stakeholders.

Understanding this sector’s trajectory is essential not only for airports and retail brands but also for tourism destinations that seek to enhance traveler engagement and increase economic value.

For enthusiasts and professionals interested in related travel and boating destinations, GetBoat.com serves as an international marketplace offering the best selection of sailing boats and yachts for rent, catering to every taste and budget. This platform reflects the growing synergy between travel retail innovations and marine leisure pursuits, enabling travelers to combine retail, recreation, and adventure by the water.