The original and market-leading airport experiences program, Priority Pass™, has revealed the winners of its Global Airport Lounge of the Year Awards. Whisky walls, private double-bed suites, spa treatments, and celebrity chef-endorsed menus are just some of the innovative offerings featured in the top-rated lounges, located in countries including Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Latvia, Thailand and Mexico.
Now in its 14th year, the awards are based on the ratings of 52,000 Priority Pass Members and recognize airport lounges offering the best service, experience, refreshments and business facilities. Priority Pass’ lounge portfolio has grown by 10% in the last year and now incorporates over 1,200 lounges in more than 500 cities globally, across 143 countries.
Global winner
This year’s global winner is the Sala VIP Internacional lounge operated by Corporación Quiport at Quito International Airport in Ecuador, the main gateway into the country and leading South American destination. The lounge menu, designed by local chef Andrés Miño, includes international and Ecuadorian cuisine, and guests can enjoy a variety of wines from the lounge’s private cellar, while watching Quito’s beautiful sunsets. This modern and elegant lounge is open around the clock and features private working spaces, dedicated sleeping areas, a massage room, and showers for guests to refresh themselves before a long flight or during a layover.
The Global Airport Lounge of the Year Awards analyses the results of votes across several categories including business facilities, comfort, service from lounge staff and food and drink. This year, Quito’s Sala VIP Internacional took the top spot in all of these categories.
Andrew O’Brian, Quiport president and CEO said: “It’s an honour to be named as the global winner of this year’s Global Airport Lounge of the Year Awards. We’re proud to offer a universal space where passengers can relax and unwind whilst still capturing the special Quito spirit – warmth, colour and great food!
“Taking in our famous sunsets while viewing the spectacular Andes landscape is a perfect way to relax before a flight and we’re thrilled that this unique experience, coupled with our excellent customer service, has left a lasting impression on our guests.”
Álvaro Maldonado, secretary of Productive Development and Competitiveness of the Municipality of Quito commented, «It has been a wonderful job, a successful story of public-private partnership between Quiport and the Municipality. It is real, successful, recognized and has provided the highest standards of service for the benefit of airport users for this wonderful destination that is the city of Quito.»
Global Airport Lounge of the Year winners
- Global: Sala VIP Internacional at Quito International Airport, Ecuador
- Europe: PrimeClass Riga Business Lounge, Riga International Airport, Latvia
- Africa and the Middle East: Ahlan Lounge at B Terminal 3, Concourse B, Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates
- Asia Pacific: Miracle First Class Lounge, International Concourse D, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand
- North America and the Caribbean: Lounge 19, Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico
Andy Besant, Director of Travel Experiences at Collinson, operator of Priority Pass, said: “Some less explored destinations have performed particularly well in this year’s rankings. As intrepid travel continues to rise, we’re noticing increased traffic in lounges at airports that are off the traditional tourist trail and veer from expected flight paths, highlighting the outstanding experiences that are offered in lounges the world over.
“Priority Pass is committed to offering its Members access to the best airport lounges across the world, and our global network of lounge partners ensures travellers can relax before their flight, improving their journey before it’s even started.”
