JAPAN. Plaza Premium Group (PPG) and Japanese tourism specialist JWIDE have debuted a first-of-its-kind hospitality and lounge service for travellers using all transportation modes. Named the City Terminal by Plaza Premium Lounge, it is sited within a vibrant commercial area of major Japanese city Osaka.
The partners noted that this first joint-venture brings together PPG’s expertise in travel hospitality with JWIDE’s specialisation in the Japanese inbound travel market, with the aim of co-creating “unique and innovative” travel experiences.
Those paying a lounge fee can access a wide selection of meals and drinks, including Costa Signature Blend complimentary coffee, complimentary tea, soft drinks and a range of soups and light snacks.
It also provides travel concierge services to visitors, offering information about local points of interest, transportation ticket bookings and access to limousine hire.
Temporary luggage storage, delivery, currency exchange and umbrella loan services are also available.
PPG said the lounge team speaks in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean, so that all travellers, regardless of whether they are using the lounge, can ask questions.
PPG Director of Global Brand and Transformation Mei Mei Song said: “Since our founding 26 years ago, PPG is known for our award-winning, independent global network of airport lounges. The City Terminal is an extension of our mission to make travel better, regardless of where that journey is happening.
“We are delighted to bring the practice of caring hospitality that we have honed in airports to this unique lounge and we hope that this will make Osaka an even more welcoming destination for visitors.”
JWIDE Founder and CEO Teppei Nishino commented: “With the increase in foreign visitors to Japan, it is essential for the country to provide better services and hospitality. We aim to make Japan a more convenient, reliable, safe and comfortable destination for both foreign visitors and Japanese residents.
“To this end, we have partnered with Plaza Premium Group to establish our first City Terminal in Osaka Umeda. Moving forward, we plan to expand City Terminals and lounges to major terminal stations, city centres and airports nationwide. Our goal is to support tourism, business trips and local sightseeing in Japan.” ✈
