19 Jun 2014
Jamaica's airport lounge, Club Kingston at the Norman Manley International Airport, has been voted Global Lounge of the Year, by Priority Pass, the world's largest independent airport lounge access programme.
Club Kingston won the coveted Priority Pass Award from a nomination field of over 700 airport lounges across more than 500 airports throughout the world. This year over 84,000 Priority Pass members voted. The review programme allows members to rate all aspects of their lounge experience including overall facilities, business centres, food and beverage, seating areas, atmosphere of the lounge, attitude of and service provided by the lounge staff, and space within the lounge.
Priority Pass President Terry Evans presented the award recently to David Hall, Executive Chairman of VIP Attractions, owners and operators of both Club Kingston and Club Mobay, at a special ceremony in Kingston.
“We are pleased with our achievements thus far and are always looking for new and creative ways to further enhance the Jamaican experience,” says newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Tabitha Athey. “VIP Attractions Club Kingston embodies the standards expected for a holder of the prestigious Award for Excellence. Our accomplishment is a reflection of our team's dedication, commitment and passion to exceed expectations as well as enhance our product, people and partnerships.”
Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board Dennis Morrison, who also serves as Chairman of the Airports Authority of Jamaica had high praises for Club Kingston, noting that it has added significantly to the experience at the Norman Manley International Airport. “To win this prestigious award from a globally competitive field, speaks volumes about the excellent service quality provided at Club Kingston. I take this opportunity to encourage those who visit the capital city Kingston whether for business or leisure to experience the award-winning product for themselves,” noted Mr. Morrison.
Now in its tenth year, the Priority Pass Awards recognise excellence within its network of partner operated lounges worldwide. Only 17 awards have been issued in total, with one global winner, five regional winners, three category winners and eight highly commended lounges, making this win an extraordinary achievement. Both Club Mobay and Club Kingston ranked in the top 20 worldwide, out of over 700 lounges. Club Mobay was also recognised for having the Best Staff.
David Hall Executive Chairman of VIP Attractions in accepting the award noted that hospitality is a treasured Jamaican heritage. “We believe that during our three years of existence, we have made significant and innovative contributions to the travel experience for guests entering and leaving Jamaica, cognisant of the importance of a more enjoyable first and last impression. Not only do Club Kingston and Club Mobay offer the innovative design and extensive facilities that travellers expect of first-class lounges in the world's finest airports, but they also showcase the best of Jamaica through cultural designs, local brands, and a visual journey through displays, sports and music,” remarked Hall.
In July, VIP Attractions will roll out its telecom products to be followed by the launch of its VIP Annual Card in November.
For more information on Jamaica, go to www.VisitJamaica.com
-ENDS-
Caption 1: At right: David Hall (centre), Executive Chairman of VIP Attractions, accepts The Priority Pass Award for Club Kingston, voted top Global Travel Lounge of the Year. Making the historic presentation is Terry Evans (right), President of Priority Pass. Sharing the occasion is Earl Richards, Chief Executive Officer of the Norman Manley International Airport.
Caption 3 : Dennis Morrison, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, (left) and Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Transport, Works and Housing (2nd right), celebrate the announcement in Kingston with David Hall, Executive Chairman of VIP Attractions (right) and Terry Evans, President of Priority Pass.
For more information or images please contact:
McCluskey International
Fiona Anderson / Sarah Salord
T: 020 8747 2170
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2013. Also in 2013, Jamaica earned the WTA's vote for the World's Leading Cruise Destination, Caribbean's Leading Destination and Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination for the seventh consecutive year. Additionally, the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port was recognised as the World's Leading Tourism Development Project while Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean's Leading Cruise Port and Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean's Leading Airport. In Canada, Jamaica was voted the Favourite Honeymoon Destination by Travel Agents.
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board 020 7225 9090. Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaicauk, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jtbuk, on Instagram at http://instagram.com/visitjamaica on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/myjamaica/or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/myjamaicajtb. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
