SUMMER 2017 | VOL. 42 NO. 2
The 2017 International Travel Goods Show Wrap-up and Review
Family Jetaway
Get going with the newest travel gear from The 2107 International Travel Goods Show.
Real-life family Kevin, Caileen and Rita Kondrath of Medford, NJ, embark on a real-life vacation with this year’s trio of Product Innovation Award winners. Kevin is shod in Smoots‘ checkpoint-friendly Comfort Conscious Footwear, with recycled rubber soles and bamboo/cotton blend uppers. Caileen rides aboard the JetKids® BedBox®, a ride-on/carry-on suitcase that transforms an airline seat into a toddler bed. Rita charges her phone from the XTEND Carry-on’s USB-C charging port. This slick carry-on cleverly accordions to expand 35% in volume, includes a biometric fingerprint lock, on-board power bank, separate shoe compartment and removable laptop sleeve. Get the details on these items – plus 113 other new travel products – in our Seen at The Show feature.
Credits:
Photographer: Kerry Pittenger
PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE CIRA CENTER IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
FEATURES
What Lies Ahead [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
Standout product trends from The 2017 International Travel Goods Show: Toughness, soft features on hard cases, smarter power, bigger licenses, colors, art, sculpted hardsides, travel pillows and the land grab for your airline seat. BY GARRETT LAI
Trade Show Treasure Hunt [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
We buttonholed a few savvy retailers: What caught their eyes and captured their attention at The Show? Answers: Inspiring personalities, personal in-flight organizers, games, special edition luggage, hot brands for hardcores and millennials, and more. BY SARA ECCLESINE
Seen at The Show [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
There is no substitute for being present at the world’s biggest travel goods showcase. But our highlight section of The Show’s innovative luggage, accessories, trip organizers, events, people and personalities, takealong products and other attention-getting items comes close. BY KATHY WITT AND SARA ECCLESINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY PITTENGER
2017 Industry Awards [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
The inspiring story of TGA Award winner Cliff Ensley; winners of the Product Innovation Awards; stewarding sea turtles; retailers’ favorite Show item; and standout booths from the industry’s biggest product showcase. BY GARRETT LAI
State of the U.S. Travel Goods Market 2003-2016 [GO TO STORY]
What’s up, and what’s down: Our analysis of last year’s $31.4 billion U.S. travel goods market, with category breakdowns and year-by-year comparative numbers dating back to 2003. BY NATE HERMAN
COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE
“We Are Global” BY MICHELE MARINI PITTENGER
TRAVEL BITS [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
A museum just for dummies; pay-to-play (or snooze) airport lounges; the first all-used shopping mall; America’s oldest city as the most-affordable travel destination; best family vacation cities and then some.
NEWS & NOTES [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
The growing global luggage market; the damper that is the in-flight electronics ban; Americans’ favorite foreign destinations; TripAdvisor’s foray into bricks and mortar; valuing employees over business rules; reshaping retail and other influences on the industry.
TGA NEWS BRIEFS [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
Big media impact from this year’s International Travel Goods Show; the latest on U.S. trade agreements; 2018 Show details; TGA members giving back to their communities; member profiles and other industry news.
INDUSTRY BUZZ [DOWNLOAD PDF FILE]
People and product news, moves, and milestones.
CLASSIFIEDS
AD INDEX
BUYER’S GUIDE