Jamaica’s tourism minister, Dr Whykeham McNeill, has recently reported a spike in tourism in the country, with a two per cent increase in stopover arrivals for the 2013 winter tourist season and further projected growth for the summer season 2014. Tourism forms an essential part of Jamaica’s local economy, with frequent visitors from Europe, the US and Canada¹. The country has also enjoyed a 600 per cent increase in visitors from Russia due to the new flight route from Moscow to Montego Bay.

David Hall, executive chairman, Club Kingston commented: “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. Not only have we transformed a tedious and unpleasant airport experience into an enjoyed moment for our guests, but we enable them to experience the history and rich culture that is the pride of Jamaica.”

Club Kingston tailors every aspect of the lounge experience; the head chef provides a locally inspired range of food and beverages such as Jamaican inspired sushi, traditional patties and specialist Jamaican cocktails, such as the Mobay Passion, all served alongside a soundtrack of reggae music. The lounge also enlists iconic Jamaican brands and local artists such as Soloman Sharpe and Metry Seaga who design pieces inspired by the Jamaican landscape, “land of wood and water”. To cater for the frequent business traveler, the lounge offers a state of the art Business Centre, powered by Jamaican telecoms company Digicel.

Stephen Simpson, Global Marketing Director for Priority Pass, said: “As airports become busier, we believe the lounge is a key moment of truth for a new global class of discerning consumers. This group is looking for smart ways to upgrade their lifestyles, for example using lounge access as a means to travel in style and comfort, without going to the expense of business class flights. Brands wishing to reach this increasingly savvy group should ensure lounge access sits front and centre of any customer incentive program.”

“We congratulate Club Kingston on its achievement. Over the past 10 years, Priority Pass’s Lounge of the Year Awards have given the most comprehensive overview of the quality of the world’s airport lounges based on members’ own opinions. In order to win, lounges must demonstrate the strongest commitment to excellence, day in, day out.”

“We also commend the category and regional winners for the outstanding lounge experience they provide.”