Collinson-owned airport hospitality specialist Priority Pass has unveiled the winners of its Excellence Awards 2026, honouring standout performers in the Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories. The Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport claimed the top honour, Global Lounge of the Year.
Regional Lounge of the Year winners included Lounge Fukuoka in Japan (APAC), Vienna Lounge in Austria (Europe), Club Kingston in Jamaica (Latin America and the Caribbean), and Bidvest Premier Lounge in Johannesburg, South Africa (Middle East and Africa).
Based on more than 700,000 member ratings and reviews, the results highlight shifting traveller expectations, with increasing focus on experiences that extend beyond lounge functionality.
The highest-rated lounges stood out for delivering experiences that feel less like standardised airport environments and more like an extension of the destination itself.
By integrating local design influences, destination-led food & beverage concepts, and environments designed around comfort and relaxation, they are redefining the airport experience as part of the journey itself, the company noted.
Lounge of the Year
Recognising the highest-rated lounges across the global Priority Pass network, the Lounge of the Year award is determined by member ratings across a range of criteria, including the quality of facilities, customer service, food & beverage offerings, comfort, ambience and overall satisfaction.
The Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport stood out for its blend of contemporary design and a strong sense of local identity, creating an experience that feels distinctly connected to its surroundings.
Inspired by Portland’s creative and cultural identity, the lounge integrates local food & beverage, regional materials and artwork, with a design focused on both calm and productivity, reflecting a growing preference for place-driven airport experiences.
The Escape Lounge at Portland Chief Experiences Officer Tom Waldron said, “Winning Global Lounge of the Year with Priority Pass is an incredibly proud moment for our Portland team.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to creating spaces that feel more than just part of the airport journey – they’re vibrant, welcoming environments shaped by a true sense of place.
“From locally inspired food and drink to the energy our teams bring every day, we’re focused on delivering a personalised experience that travellers genuinely look forward to. We’re grateful to Priority Pass and, most importantly, to our guests for making this possible.”
Regional Lounge of the Year
Lounge Fukuoka at Fukuoka International Airport, Japan, was named APAC Lounge of the Year for delivering an experience that elevates the lounge into a destination in itself.
Recognised for its bright, open design with close-up runway views and a calm, wood-toned aesthetic, the lounge also features an authentic dining programme serving local specialities such as tonkotsu ramen, kashiwa rice and seasonal sake, capturing the region’s culinary identity.
Lounge Fukuoka Section Manager, Business Operations Yuji Shin said, “Lounge Fukuoka is delighted to be named APAC Lounge of the Year winner at the Priority Pass Excellence Awards.
“The team is truly honoured by the recognition, and knowing that members enjoyed the atmosphere and service we have provided is a great encouragement.
“We will continue to do our utmost to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment where travellers can experience the spirit of Fukuoka, Kyushu and Japan. We sincerely appreciate the support of every guest and look forward to continue providing exceptional travel experiences.”
Also receiving Highly Commended recognition in the category was Kyra Lounge (near Gate 23) at Hong Kong International Airport.
One to watch
Introduced this year, the One to Watch category recognises lounges that have raised their performance over the past 12 months based on member ratings and reviews. They are distinguished by a sustained focus on elevating the guest experience and by rapidly emerging as future leaders within the segment.
Within APAC, the refreshed KoCoo Lounge at Tokyo Narita International Airport was highlighted as One to Watch.
Collinson International CEO Christopher Evans said, “Now in its 18th year, the Priority Pass Excellence Awards continue to showcase the very best of our global network, and each year, our partners raise the bar even higher.
“With demand for premium travel experiences at an all-time high, travellers are increasingly looking to make every moment of their journey more meaningful and memorable.
“What stands out to me is the high number of partners from across the globe delivering leading, flagship lounges that are redefining what a true sense of place means. Travellers today expect versatility, quality and genuine local experience, and our partners are delivering on all three.
“The Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories recognise the partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional moments that truly enhance the journey for our members. Congratulations to this year’s winners.”
Collinson International VP for Business Solutions, Asia Pacific Rohan Bhalla added, “The APAC region continues to set global benchmarks in travel hospitality, and the winners of this year’s Priority Pass Excellence Awards reflect how these standards are evolving.
“Across the region, our lounge and airport partners are moving beyond traditional offerings to deliver more intentional journeys – whether through a deeper sense of local character, elevated service, or innovative facilities.
“What stands out is a shared ambition to redefine what travellers value today – prioritising quality, meaningful engagement at every touchpoint.
“As travel momentum in Asia Pacific continues and travellers’ expectations for enhanced experiences evolve, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with our partners to further broaden and enrich the experiences we deliver.” ✈
 The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes Airport Hospitality World, the latest edition to our wide-ranging, market-leading travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenues publishing and event portfolio. Airport Hospitality World covers all forms of airport lounges across international and domestic terminals, including various definitions as follows:
Plus other hospitality-related platforms:
Excitingly, the long-established Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards will embrace Airport Hospitality World from the 2026 edition – the event’s 15th anniversary. |
