Priority Pass reveals the most visited travel destinations during the holiday season

It is common for enthusiastic world travelers to start planning their trips for the coming months, which in many places are the coldest of the year, and this is how the trend known as 'snow birds' begins, those people who travel in the winter season from the north of the continent (United States and Canada) to the south, looking for warmer places and who normally find them in Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean.

Likewise, many travellers from Latin America and tropical countries see this season as the best opportunity to experience an adventure in the snow. For this reason, Priority Pass, the world's leading brand for access to more than 1,600 VIP lounges in the world's airports, owned by Collinson, predicts the most popular travel destinations for this season.

Although the peak mid-year travel period is almost over, tourists already have their sights set on enjoying more winter or summer plans depending on the destination they decide to travel to.

To help people plan their travels, Priority Pass has revealed its list of the most visited destinations this holiday season. This list is based on lounge visitation data from the past two years, between the months of September and February, with its global program comprising more than 1,600 lounges and travel experiences in 725 cities in 145 countries, highlighting the destinations that travelers should consider in the coming months.

According to Jeremy Dalkoff, Vice President of Partnerships for Collinson in the Americas, regardless of the destination, travelers want to have a good experience in airports, just before boarding, that has to do with rest or relaxation, as well as enjoying the gastronomic offer in a quiet and comfortable space. “We have airport experiences available in these popular destinations, from VIP lounges and gaming rooms, to sleeping capsules and spas, offering premium and hassle-free travel experiences that allow travelers to enjoy their journeys.”

In recent years, Mexico has stood out as the leading country in Latin America and the Caribbean with the highest number of international tourist arrivals, with more than 38 million visits, followed by the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Peru.

In Mexico, the Riviera Maya, CDMX, Cancun and Los Cabos stand out as the favorite destinations for tourists from all over the world thanks to their cultural and natural wealth, as well as their delicious gastronomy. Its historic cities, unique archaeological sites and an exquisite variety of national foods are just some of the reasons why millions of tourists choose it.

Likewise, two VIP lounges in Mexico received Priority Pass 2024 Excellence Awards for being among the best in the world for their design and technological innovations, which include robot assistance services and immersive experiences for travelers.

In Colombia, Bogotá and Barranquilla are cities that stand out for being important tourist destinations for the end of the year. Responding to the needs of travelers to have spaces of rest and comfort with the highest international standards, Priority Pass has The Lounge Bogotá and Macondo VIP Lounges in Barranquilla, which offer a range of possibilities and services of gastronomy, rest and connectivity that improve the experience for any traveler before boarding.

For Priority Pass, Lima ranks fourth in lounge visits during the holiday season, after Dubai, Bangkok and Seoul.

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a very popular destination for visitors to South America thanks to its immense history and gastronomic wealth, attracting tourists from all over the world tempted by the abundance of restaurants offering the country's most popular dish: ceviche. Every walk through the city is full of culture.

For both international and local tourists, Lima will always be a favorite destination due to its diversity of fauna and flora. The possibility of visiting Peruvian wonders such as Machu Picchu or the Nazca Lines, combined with the good weather at the end of the year, makes Peru consolidate itself as an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers.

At Jorge Chavez International Airport, 20 minutes from Lima, you’ll find the Hanaq VIP Lounge and El Salón by Newrest, or enjoy locally influenced food and drinks at Bleriot Bar and Lounge or La Bonbonniere and many spaces dedicated to relaxation and entertainment.

Top Fall/Winter Destinations Around the World for Priority Pass

Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport was the most popular destination in the Northern Hemisphere for Priority Pass travelers between September and February for the past two years. Its exceptionally modern infrastructure, stunning architecture, sparkling skyline and variety of activities have drawn hordes of tourists to the “Venice of the Gulf.” 

Whether for business or leisure, Dubai offers something for every traveller – whether attending a major international conference or a relaxing holiday, these trips can be complemented by a stay at one of the city’s many luxury resorts.

When visiting Dubai, with Priority Pass you can experience 18 different amenities across the airport terminals, including Sleep ‘n Fly lounges and showers, providing the perfect opportunity to kick back and relax while waiting for your flight. If you still have the energy, why not visit the Game Space arcade?

Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok, with its beautiful network of canals, temples, shrines and street life, attracts an increasing number of tourists each year. Equally popular with digital nomads and backpackers, Bangkok has something for everyone, with a vibrant nightlife, impressive shopping districts and a renowned food scene.

We recommend travelling from December onwards to avoid the possible monsoon season.

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport boasts two 2024 Priority Pass Excellence Award winners. First up is the Asia-Pacific Pioneer of the Year Award winner, the Coral Finest Business Class Lounge, which offers unique, premium experiences, including 15-minute massages, movie theaters and specialty cocktail bars.
Then, at the Miracle Lounge in Concourse D, Miss Phatsalawan Narapornkitirat stands out, whose dedication to providing excellent service to her customers (who include ministers and royal families) earned her the Asia-Pacific Star of the Year Award, an accolade given to staff members who go above and beyond to serve the lounge’s visitors.

Seoul, South Korea
Incheon International Airport, Seoul
A city rich with history, Seoul, the capital of South Korea, stands as a beacon for travelers exploring East Asia during the fall and winter months. Embracing both traditional and modern culture, it captures the essence of Korea through its bustling streets and historic landmarks.

Surrounded by the remains of several dynasties, Seoul boasts a vibrant culinary scene that attracts tourists from around the world, drawn by the variety of restaurants offering Korea's rich array of interesting dishes. There are plenty of opportunities to delve into Korea's historical heritage at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Korea.

Near the heart of the city, the Matina Lounge at Incheon International Airport inherits the legacy of Korea’s most prestigious hotel, the Walkerhill Hotel. Look out for the cat robots, Mati and Tina, who help clear away empty plates. Plus, travelers can use plush Harman Kardon headphones for an immersive audio experience or visit a variety of themed spaces, including the library zone, kids’ zone, and various comfort areas.

Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul Airport
A city spread across two continents, Istanbul and Turkey as a whole have seen huge growth as a travel hub in recent years. Last winter, Turkey ranked among the top ten most popular destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, according to Priority Pass data.

Istanbul has several historic buildings dotted around the city for visitors to discover, including one of its most popular landmarks, the Hagia Sophia. Alternatively, Istanbul has an incredible food scene – it’s never a bad time to enjoy some Turkish tea and baklava. For more sporty travellers, Turkey is emerging as the new “golf paradise”, with world-class and premium courses in Istanbul and across the country.

Priority Pass members have three lounges at their disposal at Istanbul Airport, including the impressive IGA lounges located in both terminals. The lounge in the international terminal features an outdoor terrace, pool table and complimentary massage service most days, while the lounge in the domestic terminal offers delicious delicacies from Turkish and world cuisine in an open buffet.

With all these possibilities, where would you like to travel to at the end of the year?

Fuente: Priority Pass.