INTERNATIONAL. Airport lounges in Ecuador, UAE, Latvia, Thailand and Mexico have been honoured as the finest in the world in the Global Airport Lounge of the Year Awards. The lounges have been singled out based on ratings from more than 50,000 customers of the Priority Pass airport experiences programme.
Sala VIP Internacional, operated by Quiport at Quito International Airport in Ecuador, won the top global award, while Primeclass Riga Business Lounge at Riga International Airport in Latvia has been crowned the best lounge in Europe.
The awards are based on the ratings of 52,000 Priority Pass members and recognise airport lounges based on facilities, service, refreshments and experience.
This year’s winners feature whisky walls, private double-bed suites, spa treatments, and celebrity chef-endorsed menus.
Quito’s Sala VIP Internacional took the top spot in all categories. The lounge includes an outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the city, providing a space which captures the light and colour of Ecuador’s capital.
It is fitted out with locally-sourced furnishings, and has a food menu created by renowned local chef Andrés Miño, which includes international and Ecuadorian cuisine.
Almost all of the lounge’s seats, including those at dining tables, feature power outlets, so that customers can stay connected. There are also private working spaces, dedicated sleeping areas, a massage room and showers.
Quiport President and CEO Andrew O’Brian said of Sala VIP Internacional’s win: “Taking in our famous sunsets while surrounded by the jacaranda and jasmine that adorn our terrace is the 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.”
The Primeclass Riga Business Lounge at Riga International Airport in Latvia was rated the top lounge in Europe. Located in the largest airport in the Baltic states, the spacious lounge has large glass windows that provide views of the runway.
This lounge offers signature Latvian dishes and drinks including Balsam, and has recently collaborated with local artists, such as Arvils Linde, to exhibit art. Its other features include a conference room, a children’s play area and showers.
The other regional winners were Ahlan Lounge at B at DXB, United Arab Emirates (Africa & Middle East); Miracle First Class Lounge, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand (Asia Pacific); and The Club MCO, Orlando International Airport, US (North America).
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’ lounge portfolio has grown by 10% in the last year and now incorporates over 1,200 lounges in more than 500 cities, across 143 countries.
The full list of winners:
Global Overall Winner: Sala VIP Internacional, Quito International Airport, Ecuador
Europe Regional Winner: Primeclass Riga Business Lounge, Terminal E, Riga International Airport, Latvia
Europe Highly Commended: Northern Lights Executive Lounge, Aberdeen International Airport, UK
Africa & Middle East Regional Winner: Ahlan Lounge at B, Terminal 3, Concourse B, DXB, United Arab Emirates
Africa & Middle East Highly Commended: Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 3, Concourse A, DXB, United Arab Emirates
Asia Pacific Regional Winner: Miracle First Class Lounge, International Concourse D, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand
Asia Pacific Highly Commended: SATS Premier Lounge, Terminal 3, Singapore Changi International Airport, Singapore
North America Regional Winner: Lounge 19, Terminal 1, Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico
North America Highly Commended: The Club MCO, Terminal B, Concourse 4, Orlando International Airport, US
Latin America and The Caribbean Highly Commended: Eldorado Lounge, Terminal 1, Bogota El Dorado International Airport, Colombia
