Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network
The UK's highly authoritative service research organization SKYTRAX announced the 2012 "World's Best Airport" award in Vienna on the 20th, with South Korea's Incheon International Airport taking the top spot, knocking last year's champion Hong Kong International Airport off the throne. It is worth mentioning that the luxury brand Louis Vuitton has never had an outlet or duty-free store before. In September last year, Incheon Airport took the lead globally by being the first to introduce an LV duty-free store, located between Gates 27/28 in the center of the passenger terminal building, with daily sales reaching $300,000 (approximately NT$8.9 million). Moreover, Incheon Airport's overall duty-free sales last year surpassed those of Dubai and Heathrow airports, ranking first in the world.
The world's first LV duty-free store is located at Incheon International Airport. (Photo provided by Incheon Airport)
Incheon Airport is currently ranked second in the world for international cargo and eighth for international passengers. Last year, it was ranked third in the SKYTRAX evaluation but has now jumped to first place this year. In addition to its excellent connectivity — linking 180 cities worldwide through 80 airlines — transit at Incheon takes just 45 minutes to complete procedures, allowing passengers to spend their time enjoying the airport's leisure facilities, including coffee shops, shopping plazas, ice skating rinks, and cinemas. For those wanting a brief visit to Korea’s famous sites, various transit tour packages are available, which can be booked on the OMI Travel and Hana Tour websites or at the transit service desk on the second floor of the passenger terminal building.
Incheon International Airport was selected by SKYTRAX as the No. 1 World's Best Airport for 2012. (Photo provided by Incheon Airport)
The airport also offers a Hub Lounge, similar to an airline VIP lounge, providing internet access, 24 meal options, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for just $35 (approximately NT$1,040) per person. Korean Air transit passengers can enjoy a 40% discount. Meanwhile, the recently renovated transit hotel has 90 rooms, available for just $56 (approximately NT$1,662) for six hours.
Korean cultural exhibition space inside Incheon Airport. (Photo provided by Incheon Airport)
In 2012, Singapore Changi Airport retained its second-place position as the best airport, followed by Hong Kong Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Beijing Capital Airport, Munich Airport, Zurich Airport, Kuala Lumpur Airport, Vancouver Airport, and Japan's Central Japan International Airport in tenth place.
OMI Travel: www..omitravel.kr
Hana Tour: www.hanatourintl.com
Incheon International Airport: www.airport.kr/chn
Incheon Airport ranks eighth in the world in terms of passenger traffic. (Photo provided by Incheon Airport)
● Extended Reading: One Night, Two Meals, Plus a Visit to President Town — Airport Hotels Cross Over into Taiwan’s Good Transportation Network
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