Bidvest has opened its new International Premier Lounge at Cape Town International Airport. The new lounge is larger than the previous one and is conveniently located just after passport control in the international departures terminal. The lounge caters for more than 90 000 people annually and Gavin Bell, MD of Bidvest Premier Lounges, said customer feedback had been sought and considered during the upgrade of the facility and it was clear a bigger space was required. “Our previous facility at 340 sqm could handle around 60 to 70 people at a time. This facility, while only slightly bigger at 400 sqm, will be able to easily accommodate up to 100 people, thanks to clever design,” he told Tourism Update.  “Our aim is to carry these design elements through to all our lounges, creating as much comfort for travellers as possible.” The facility, which represents the new look and feel of Bidvest’s Premier Lounges country wide, has unisex toilet facilities, showers, free WiFi, complimentary hot and cold snacks, a range of beverages, and a smoking facility. Each armchair has been fitted with its own USB port and power point. The lounge is also wheelchair friendly.  Next up for renovations is the Premier Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport’s domestic terminal and the new lounge awarded to Bidvest at Bloemfontein Airport. The Cape Town lounge is open Mondays to Sundays from 05h00-23h00. - Liesl Venter