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.
With 17 years of experience, he was most recently trade manager business events for Tourism New Zealand, where he oversaw the development and implementation of business events strategy for South-east Asia.
In his new role, Gilroy will spearhead the resort’s commercial strategy, overseeing sales, marketing, and revenue management. He previously held roles at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and Niyama Private Islands Maldives.
He has been part of Destination Asia since his appointment in 2018, helping develop the key sectors of meetings and events, tailormade travel and cruise. His forward-thinking approach has helped strengthen Destination Asia’s footprint and been pivotal in driving innovation and growth within the company.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a new multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger to combat food insecurity and hunger for millions of people around the world.
For decades, Action Against Hunger has been preventing, detecting and treating hunger, with its world-renowned screen, treat and sustain programme providing help across East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Asia, the Americas, Middle East and Europe.
IHG will help support and fund Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programmes, with a specific focus on screening initiatives designed to spot early signs of malnutrition in children and provide potentially lifesaving treatment through local community outreach programmes.
IHG will also seek to grow awareness of this critical issue with millions of guests around the world and give them the opportunity to donate IHG One Rewards points to the cause. For example, every 10,000 points donated is enough to screen approximately 124 children for malnutrition, an essential first step toward the care they need and on average, 7,500 points can support a malnourished child with nutritious food for six weeks and help bring them back to health.
Through thousands of hotels in communities across more than 100 countries, IHG has long supported efforts to improve food security, alongside supporting disaster relief efforts and providing skills training, as part of a pledge to improve the lives of 30 million people in its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan.
As part of IHG’s purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good, this work will complement existing partnerships IHG and its hotels have in many local markets that together aim to strengthen the food system in a community – from providing training and tools to reduce food waste, to diverting surplus food to those in need. Existing partnerships focused on food security for IHG include local foodbanks, No Kid Hungry in the US, OzHarvest in Australia, VietHarvest in Vietnam and Too Good To Go in Europe.
Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This is a problem the world can solve if societies, organisations and businesses work together. IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to partner with Action Against Hunger on their life saving work, in addition to the many other long-standing partnerships we have with incredible charities in local markets.”
“While hunger is a widespread challenge, for the first time in human history, we have the ability to end chronic hunger for everyone, for good. Realising that vision will take bold action and we are grateful for IHG’s will, wisdom and leadership in advancing this vital cause. IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where every life is well nourished,” shared Ashwini Kakkar, chair of Action Against Hunger International Network.