EUROPE. Over 70 industry representatives, representing 50 companies from 18 EU countries, attended the ETRC Workshop in Brussels this week. Among the key industry issues discussed were the “˜one-bag rule’ and its effect upon travel retail, pending changes to airport security and the various threats to duty free tobacco.
This was the third annual ETRC Workshop, at which industry representatives gathered in camera to discuss objectives and strategy.
The keynote speaker was Jim Higgins MEP, a member of the European Parliament Transport Committee. Higgins is a leading member of the European Peoples Party (EPP), the largest political grouping in the European Parliament. Also present were representatives of ACI Europe and ACI World.
Speaking after the event, ETRC President Frank O’Connell said: “The meeting allowed the industry to come together to debate key political and operational issues that may fundamentally change the nature of travel retail. A full and frank discussion was had amongst industry leaders which will allow us to move forward in confidence and face our many challenges head-on.
“I’m delighted to announce that there are now over 21 ETRC corporate members. This is a major step forward from last year, but it is still not enough. There are major stakeholders in this business who haven’t joined.”
The ETRC Workshop is now a regular annual event and the next workshop is scheduled for 26 January next year.
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