BIG BANANA

The Executive Lounge, Club 17°61° at VC Bird International, which is managed by the Big Banana group, has been recognized as Lounge of the Year, Latin America and the Caribbean region with the accolade of Highly Commended.

Now in its 10th year, and with over 84,000 visits rated by its members, the Priority Pass Lounge of the Year award is designed to recognize those lounges in the Priority Travel Group programme which deliver an exceptional lounge experience.

Terry Evans, President of Priority Pass, which has partnerships with over 700 lounges globally said, ‘It’s with great pleasure that I present Club 17°61° with this award. There have only been 16 other awards issued, so this is a truly fantastic achievement.’

Jeff Hadeed, CEO Big Banana said, “We are delighted and honored to receive this award. It is a tribute to our whole team at VC Bird International but especially our Lounge staff who put customer care, comfort and hospitality at the heart of what they do every day. It is particularly gratifying given that Big Banana pioneered the development of an Executive Lounge at VC Bird 19 years ago and we have continued to invest in creating a memorable and positive experience for our guests.”

Established in 1985, Big Banana is best known for Pizzas in Paradise, its popular restaurant operation at Redcliffe Quay, and Big Banana 17°61° Restaurant, Departure Bar and Executive Lounge at VC Bird International.

The group employs over 200 staff in its core operations and has affiliations which include the gourmet deli-cafe and sushi bar known as the larder; South Point Falmouth, Antigua’s newest boutique condo hotel; ID-Café offering design solutions for the home, kitchen & bathroom; Next International; Concierge Antigua; and the Antigua Rainforest Company.