knew from meetings with suppliers and our advisory committee that they wanted some discussion on digital and some conversation around design and store penetration. There’s always some desire for statistical data. We will have a popery of issues in an executive learning programme, which people would like to see and we’re trying to respond to that.
In 2017 we saw Trump’s so-called ‘Muslim ban’ from the Middle East. What sort of impact did that have on operations according to the membership? It’s hard to measure. There are numbers out there of a decline in international visitors to the US, some
“We will have a popery of issues in an executive learning programme, which people would like to see and we’re trying to respond to that.”
Michael Payne, IAADFS
30 TRBUSINESS
of which can be attributed to that problem. Some of it is the restriction on visas that impacts some people, but then there’s the general sense that people might not feel welcome. When all the Mexican dialogue was at its height, I’m sure there were some that didn’t want to visit, but then that [for example] could be offset by an increase in Chinese travellers. It’s had an impact, but it’s hard to quantify.
Natural disasters are unavoidable and you mentioned there are still some problems felt as a result of the hurricane season last year. Have those operations that were affected sufficiently recovered? I would say they probably aren’t for those based in Puerto Rico. The US Virgin Islands have not got all their hotel facilities back up and operational, nor all of the duty free zones downtown. There is still a lot to be done. Not
all islands were impacted, but those that where are making progress. I think there are still challenges. Everybody is making progress, but
you really have to look at each area.
What’s your general outlook for the coming year and can we expect to see double-digit growth? Certainly in the short run, things look positive and I think there will be continued growth. The global economy is humming along better than what is was at this stage in 2017 and if that keeps going the trickle-down impact will continue to bring positive development. There are probably places that will have double-digit growth, but it depends. From a general standpoint, I expect things to improve, but you always have to be caveated as anything can happen. If there is any real kind of recessionary or inflationary cycle, it could really start to affect things.
IAADFS this year marks its 50th anniversary of meetings, tradeshows, advocacy and lobbying. What do you have in mind to celebrate? We are certainly going to do something at the Gala on Tuesday. «
MARCH 2018
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