ASIA PACIFIC. Collinson, the global airport experiences leader and owner and operator of Priority Pass, has reported a +44% increase in lounge visits across its Asia Pacific network in the first seven months of 2023. Significantly, it also revealed that airport lounge visits in July across the region outstripped pre-pandemic July 2019 by +32%.
The company also noted that the strongest performing markets in the January-July period are located within South and Southeast Asia.
Crediting the strong return and growth of travel in Asia Pacific across most markets for the impressive numbers, Collinson stated it plans to expand its network of airport lounges and travel experiences to cater for the increasing number of travellers.
Today, Priority Pass Members have access to more than 550 airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia Pacific, and over 1,400 globally across the world’s major travel zones.
Priority Pass Members can now access an additional 88 new airport lounges and travel experiences in the region. A recently renewed partnership with Plaza Premium saw 27 lounges added across key Asia Pacific travel destinations including Cambodia, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Collinson also expanded its network of airport lounges in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia through direct agreements with Blue Sky Group, Noi Bai Aviation Joint Stock Company and SSP Malaysia.
Additionally, it has also brought on board seven premium airport lounges in Mainland China through a direct partnership with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service Co.
Collinson Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific President Todd Handcock said: “As we celebrate the almost full resumption of travel in the Asia Pacific region, where air passenger traffic is reported to sit at over 90% of pre-pandemic levels, we remain focused on elevating our members’ travel journeys by growing and enhancing our airport lounges and travel experiences.
“In the first half of this year alone, we worked closely and collaboratively with industry partners across the region to increase the number of airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia Pacific network by close to +20%.”
He added: “As we meet the growing volumes and evolving expectations of travellers, we are remaining focused on expanding our inventory to bring seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free travel experiences to our members.
“This is further supported by findings from our recent Asia Pacific customer engagement and loyalty research report, where 76% of consumers view the experience provided by a brand to be as important as its products or services.”
The report, which surveyed over 4,750 frequent travellers across ten markets in Asia Pacific, revealed that travellers in Asia Pacific, particularly Millennials and Gen Z travellers, are seeking unique and immersive experiences.
Airport lounge access topped respondents’ list of travel benefits, with other highly rated experiences including dining discounts, and lifestyle and wellness benefits – all of which are available through a Priority Pass membership.
New experiences that have been added to the Asia Pacific inventory this year include access to co-working spaces – Connect and Miracle Co-working space – in Singapore Changi Airport and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.
Members can also enjoy a wide array of dining choices with 16 new dining establishments brought on board in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Japan.
In Japan, travellers can also unwind and relax at Japan’s in-airport Japanese-style public bath at Kutsurogi Dokoro at Chubu Centrair International Airport or choose to take a rest at a nine-hour capsule hotel at Narita Airport. 
