CHINA. Independent airport lounge operator Plaza Premium Lounge is extending its network to embrace China’s major high-speed railway stations in collaboration with DragonPass, a global digital platform for premium travel services.
The first DragonPass x Plaza Premium Lounge lounge experience was opened at Changsha South High-speed Railway Station on 26 January. Following the inauguration, two other co-created high-speed railway lounges are set to launch in other top-tier travel hubs, Plaza Premium Group said, adding that details will be announced in due course.
Changsha South handles around 5.5 million passengers monthly and is China’s key transit hub in connecting major cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Shanghai.
“Extending our global hospitality experience of over 20 years and award-winning lounge services beyond airports is a game-changing opportunity for us,” commented Plaza Premium Group Founder & CEO Song Hoi-see. “The strategic partnership with DragonPass represents a milestone for us to explore a new territory in travel.
“Passenger traffic on high-speed railways in China has skyrocketed in recent years and even more so post-pandemic. High-speed railway is an alternative way of travel for many in China and we look forward to bringing our world-class hospitality across the region,” Song added.
DragonPass distributes digitally a wide range of premium travel services including lounge access, limousine transfer, fast-track access, meet & assist, dining, valet parking, baggage porterage and advanced medical services. Its global membership programme provides a range of products and innovative, one-stop member services across airports and high-speed railway stations.
Plaza Premium Group said that the new service will provide quality travel services that cater to the diverse needs of travellers. The new collaboration between DragonPass and Plaza Premium Group is committed to enhance the experience at high-speed railway lounges in terms of ambience, dining, entertainment and service quality, it pointed out.
“In the unordinary year of 2020, we discovered the coexistence of opportunities and challenges,” said Dragon Pass Company Limited Founder Cai Ke Hui.
“With rapid development and an expanding network, high-speed railway will become an essential means of transport for affluent travellers. Despite the pandemic, we see bright prospects for the development of high-speed railway in China, and we believe 2021 will be a milestone year for the high-speed rail travel experience.
“By partnering with Plaza Premium Lounge, the award-winning industry leader in airport hospitality, we hope to take high-speed rail hospitality to the next level with our shared vision, consolidated expertise and resources, to deliver service excellence and create seamless, convenient and quality travel journeys.”
NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report devotes regular coverage to rail station retail, food & beverage and hospitality services. Send your stories and pictures to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com
| FAMILY-FRIENDLY, SUSTAINABLE AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE The 700sq m Changsha lounge can accommodate 290 guests. It is strategically situated on the ground level of the railway station. It has two entrances, enabling travellers to access the facility from both sides of the station. The lounge design embodies subtle elements of Changsha’s heritage, with accents of red that symbolise fortune and prosperity. As part of Plaza Premium Lounge’s promise to promote family-friendliness and sustainability, the lounge features a nursing room and a children’s playroom – the station’s only dedicated kids’ zone – including educational and sustainably-made toys by international toy brand Masterkidz.
In keeping with the company’s commitment to provide a safe and hygienic environment, the facility follows Plaza Premium Lounge’s We Care For Your Wellbeing programme with zoning to allow privacy and social distancing, comfortable seating and dining areas. In addition, guests are also offered a seamless dining experience via Smart Order, a contactless food ordering system accessible via smart mobile devices. All meals are individually portioned and pre-packed, offering a selection of delicacies and drinks. Open daily from 6:30am to 10pm, the lounge is complimentary for DragonPass members and is open to all passengers starting at RMB88 (US$13.60) for two hours. A part of the lounge space (below) is designated to support those in need, such as members of the military, seniors or disabled individuals, where they can access lounge seating free of charge.
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