LAS VEGAS – WHSmith North America, a leading specialty retailer in airports across the U.S. and Canada, announces that Cascadia Collection at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has been named the 2026 Best New News & Gift Concept by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) as part of its annual Airport Concessions Awards program. The award was presented during the ACI-NA Business of Airports Conference, recognizing excellence and innovation in airport concessions across North America.
The ACI-NA Airport Concessions Awards celebrate airports, concessionaires, and industry leaders that elevate the traveler experience through exceptional retail, dining, and passenger-focused concepts. Cascadia Collection was selected as the year’s top News & Gift concept for its distinctive retail experience that reflects the culture, artistry and spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our team and our partners at Vancouver International Airport,” said Huw Crwys-Williams, Chief Executive Officer WHSmith North America. WHSmith North America. “Cascadia Collection was designed to create a true sense of place for travelers while showcasing the unique character of British Columbia and Canada’s West Coast. We are proud that ACI-NA has recognized the concept’s creativity, authenticity, and commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience.”
Located at one of North America’s leading airports, Cascadia Collection offers travelers a modern and thoughtfully curated retail destination featuring locally inspired merchandise, gifts, artisan products and travel essentials. The concept was developed to celebrate the region’s natural beauty, culture and creativity while providing passengers with a memorable shopping experience that goes beyond a traditional airport retail store.
The award underscores WHSmith North America’s continued commitment to innovation in travel retail and to developing concepts that connect travelers with the communities they are visiting. Through strategic partnerships with airports, local artisans, brands and suppliers, the company continues to elevate airport retail experiences across North America.
“We believe great airport retail should tell a story and create meaningful connections between travelers and destinations,” added Huw Crwys-Williams “Cascadia Collection is a perfect example of that vision coming to life, and we are grateful to the YVR team for their collaboration and support.”
The ACI-NA Airport Concessions Awards are among the most respected honors in the aviation industry, recognizing outstanding achievements in airport retail, food and beverage, customer experience and concession management.
About WHSmith North America
WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with more than 1,700 stores in over 30 countries. In 2018, the company acquired InMotion, the largest airport-based technology retailer in North America, and in 2019, it acquired Marshall Retail Group (MRG), a leading specialty retailer in the airport and casino-resort marketplace. WHSmith North America, which includes MRG and InMotion, now operates more than 340 specialty retail stores in airports and resorts across the continent.
Media Contact:
WHSmith North America
Kirvin Doak Communications
