According to the latest lounge data from Collinson International, owner and operator of Priority Pass, countries in Asia-Pacific have seen an exponential growth in global demand for airport lounges and travel experiences in the 1H2024.
Comparing visits from January to June 2024 with the same period last year, Collinson International has seen a 71% increase in visits from global travellers to their network of Asia-Pacific airport lounges and travel experiences. This is significantly higher than the 30% increase in visits made by global travellers to airport lounges and travel experiences outside Asia-Pacific.
Travel is back in full swing globally this year, with the Priority Pass airport lounge and travel experiences data helping to confirm several industry forecasts that projected Asia-Pacific would lead this growth among the regions by contributing to more than half of the global net gain in passenger numbers by 2043.
In terms of visits to airport lounges and travel experiences in the region by travellers globally, Thailand emerged top of the list for the first six months of 2024; ahead of countries like India, mainland China, Singapore, and South Korea. This top position was influenced by Thailand’s national blueprint for tourism development that launched last year. Notably, mainland China re-joined the top ranks this year, having been absent from the list last year as the country continues to make travel more accessible for international travellers since its reopening post-lockdown.
Airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia-Pacific are also experiencing strong traction among visitors from within the region. Comparing visits from January to June this year versus the same period last year, Collinson International reports a 73% increase in visits from Asia-Pacific travellers to Asia-Pacific airport lounges and travel experiences. While airport lounges remain a top preference for travellers in relation to travel benefits, travel experiences offered at airports – including spas, sleep pods and restaurants – are increasingly prioritised by Asia-Pacific travellers, as seen from the 144% growth in visits. This is compared to the 70% growth in visits to airport lounges by Asia-Pacific travellers.
Catering to the rapid recovery of travel and to the evolving needs of travellers, Collinson International has expanded its network of airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia-Pacific by 15% over the last 12 months, such as the opening of the new Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.
The company has also expanded its network of airport lounges in mainland China (with its recent enhanced partnership with China Eastern Airlines, introducing 24 new additions to its network), Bangladesh (MTB Air lounge in Jashore and Skylounge in Chattogram), Cambodia (Angkor Lounge in Siem Reap Angkor International Terminal), and Thailand (Satellite Terminal in Bangkok and Krabi International).
Additionally, Collinson International has also introduced airport experiences into its Asia-Pacific inventory, including holistic travel experiences offered by dining and wellness establishments in the region, such as the Soo Ceylon Cafe and Tea Lounge at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, as well as massages at TranSpa and local cuisine options at Asian Street Kitchen at Singapore Changi Airport.
At other airports, Priority Pass Members and LoungeKey cardholders can also enjoy benefits like dining, experiences, and use of facilities such as gyms, steam baths, and more.
