Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Strange Nature Gin from New Zealand, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
FRANCE. Our images selection today comes from Paris, where Lagardère Travel Retail Chairman and CEO Dag Rasmussen had the great honour of being an Olympic torch bearer on Bastille Day, Sunday 14 July, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In a long-standing tradition, the torch was lit in Olympia, Greece on 16 April and arrived in Marseille, France on 8 May via Athens. The Olympic flame then embarked on an epic journey across the country, carried by torch bearers, before reaching Paris on Bastille Day.
The flame departed Paris yesterday (17 July) to be carried to several other locations in France before returning to the capital city in time for the start of the Olympics on 26 July.
As reported, Lagardère Travel Retail is opening seven official Paris 2024 Olympic Games merchandise boutiques at railway station and airport locations in France.
The openings are part of an exclusive contract with the Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games to operate official Paris 2024 stores in travel retail.
In a post on LinkedIn, Rasmussen said: “This iconic symbol of unity, peace and the relentless human spirit [the Olympic flame] represents values that resonate deeply within me both personally and professionally.
“As we look forward to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, let’s celebrate the power of sport in bringing the world together, transcending boundaries and fostering a spirit of global camaraderie.
“I am proud that Relay, our brand, will be an integral part of this event, supporting fans every step of the way and enhancing their overall experience. And more globally, I know that all the teams in Lagardère Travel Retail were behind me during this Olympic Torch relay.
“Many thanks to all of you for your support along the route, and to Coca-Cola, the Official Sponsor of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay, for offering me this opportunity.” ✈
