According to the latest lounge data from Collinson International, a provider of airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement solutions, and owner and operator of Priority Pass, countries across the Asia Pacific region have witnessed significant growth in visits to airport lounges and travel experiences from Indian travellers in the first half of 2024. Comparing visits from January to June 2024 with the same period last year, Collinson International identified a 56 per cent increase, with the top three destinations that see the highest number of visits by Indian travellers (besides India) being Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
Turning the lens domestically, airport lounges and travel experiences in India are also experiencing strong traction among domestic travellers. Comparing visits from January to June this year versus the same period last year, Collinson International reported a 55 per cent increase in visits from Indian travellers to airport lounges and travel experiences in-country. 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 Indian travellers, as seen from the 71 per cent growth in visits to these alternative options. This is compared to the 54 per cent growth in visits to airport lounges by Indian travellers. Cities within India that saw the highest lounge and travel experience visits from Indian travellers were New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.
When global travel figures are viewed holistically, travel is back in full swing this year; with Priority Pass airport lounge and travel experiences data helping to confirm several industry forecasts that projected Asia Pacific would lead travel growth 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 Asia Pacific by travellers globally, India emerged second after Thailand for the first six months of 2024; followed by mainland China, Singapore, and South Korea. Comparing visits from January to June this year versus the same period last year, Collinson International reports a 46 per cent increase in visits from global travellers to Indian airport lounges and travel experiences.
Catering to the rapid recovery of travel and the evolving needs of travellers, Collinson International has expanded its network of airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia Pacific by 15 per cent over the last 12 months; in turn doubling its inventory of dining, refreshment and relaxation options at airports across Asia Pacific. Today, there are close to 650 airport lounges and travel experiences within Collinson International’s Priority Pass network in Asia Pacific, of which more than 100 of them are travel experiences. In India, Priority Pass Access India experienced a similar growth trajectory where Collinson International increased its network of airport lounges and travel experiences by 15 per cent over the last year.
Commenting on the data and insights, Sumit Prakash, Country Director, India and South Asia, Collinson International said, “Indian travellers are more enthusiastic than ever about exploring and travelling domestically and internationally. Not only are travellers taking more trips, they are also increasingly looking for newer ways to enhance their travel experiences – starting at the airport. To cater to this growth, we are delighted to be working closely with our partners to grow our inventory of airport lounges and travel experiences to meet the evolving needs of Indian travellers. We look forward to continuing to enhance the experiences of our members and clients’ customers, in turn elevating every journey into something special.”
One of Collinson International’s latest additions to its Priority Pass network is Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, a new-to-market brand developed by strategic partners Airport Dimensions, SSP and Travel Food Services. Collinson International 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 Ankor International Terminal), and Thailand (Satellite Terminal in Bangkok and Krabi International).
Additionally, new airport experiences have been added to the Priority Pass Asia Pacific inventory. These include 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. Priority Pass Members and LoungeKey cardholders can also benefit from Collinson International’s arrangement with sukiyaki restaurant Yakisuki Yanma at Narita Airport in Japan; as well as enjoying access to new experiences in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. These include the Capsule Transit Max, which provides gym and steam bath facilities for travellers to relieve their fatigue before take-off, and the self-walk Fast Lane service, accessible to Sky Suite Airport Lounge visitors and registered guests.
These experiences all make up the more than 1,600 airport lounges and travel experiences globally that Priority Pass Members and LoungeKey cardholders can enjoy when they next travel.
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