Club Kingston at Kingston Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica was named as the overall winner at this year’s Lounge of the Year Awards, held by independent lounge membership program Priority Pass. Other winners included lounges in Estonia, Malta, Quebec, Singapore and Dubai.
Now in its 13th year, the awards is based on 72,000 ratings by Priority Pass members and recognize airport lounges offering the best service, experience, refreshments and business facilities. Priority Pass operates the world’s largest airport lounge access program, with more than 1,000 lounges in 500 cities.
This year’s big winner boasts artwork and décor sourced from across Jamaica, as well as local food and drink including traditional Jamaican patties and pea soup – all served to a gentle soundtrack of reggae music. Guests are treated to a range of signature cocktails, including ‘Club Kingston Classic’, ‘Priority Passion’ and ‘VIP Splash’. The lounge also offers excellent facilities to support business travelers on the move, including a conference facility and dedicated work stations.
Shelly-Ann Fung, CEO of VIP Attractions, which owns and operates Club Kingston, said, “Over the last six years, we have made significant and innovative contributions to the travel experience for guests entering and leaving Jamaica. Not only does Club Kingston offer innovative design and extensive facilities that travelers expect of first-class lounges in the world’s finest airports, but it also showcases the best of Jamaica through cultural designs, local brands, and a visual journey through displays, sports and music.”
Tallinn Airport Business Lounge at the Lennart Meri Airport Tallin, Estonia, was crowned Best Lounge in Europe by Priority Pass members, closely followed by La Valette Club in Malta International Airport. Stand-out features of Tallinn’s Airport Business Lounge include a massage chair and sleeping pods; a library where travelers can select an inflight read; a curated selection of local food, beer, wine and spirits; a warming fireplace, and even an outdoor terrace.
Justin Banon, director of Priority Pass, said, “Travelers increasingly know what they want, and are not willing to settle for less. As a result, we’re seeing increased investment and recognition of the value of lounges from airports, airlines, financial institutions and other organizations worldwide. This is great news for business and leisure travelers, as it means a wider choice of venues offering exceptional service, refreshments and unique facilities to meet different travelers’ needs. During 2017, we’ve seen this reflected in our member feedback, with lounges in different destinations recognized for their service, food and drink and business facilities.”
This year’s overall winners are:
Global: Club Kingston at Kingston Norman Manley International
Europe: Tallinn Airport Business Lounge at Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport
Africa and Middle East: Ahlan Business Class Lounge at Dubai International
Asia Pacific: SATS Premier Lounge at Singapore Changi International
North America: Salon VIP Lounge, Québec Jean Lesage International