In the beginning there was the idea of "a lounge for Rotarians at Zurich Airport". This became the vision "Rotary Lounges at airports worldwide".
Hermann Delliehausen, a longtime Rotarian and founding father of RC Zurich Circle International (RCZCI), revealed his vision at a workshop a year ago: "I would like to open a Rotary Lounge at Zurich Airport. Wouldn't it be great if Rotarians in transit or departing flights had a place where they could comfortably bridge their waiting time and where chance Rotarian encounters could take place?"
For some members of the RC Zurich Circle International, this idea sounded crazy, but the airport fans among them were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. They felt that more uncomplicated Rotarian meeting places were needed. On the other hand, people spend a lot of time at the airport. So why not use the time at the airport to make Rotarian friends and do good at the same time?
Less than a year later, Delliehausen's idea has been put into practice. Since July 1, 2023, the Aspire Lounges have also been welcoming Rotarians. The two Aspire Lounges are located in the Airside Center and Terminal E, respectively. Further Rotarian lounges, for example in Basel and Geneva, are in the planning stage. Should the concept prove successful, lounges at airports in other European countries would also be conceivable.
Of the 30 Swiss francs that admission to the Rotarian Aspire Lounges at Zurich Airport costs, a considerable amount goes to the major global PolioPlus project. Thanks to the tripling of the donation by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, around 50 children can be vaccinated against the devastating disease with every lounge visit. To further increase the impact, Aspire Lounges are open not only to Rotarians, but also to their traveling business partners, friends and family members.
Rotary Lounges at Zurich Airport Zurich
- In cooperation with Aspire Lounges
- Admission: 30 francs per person
- Eligible: Rotarians and their accompanying business partners, friends and family members
- Access code: name of the respective Rotary Club
- Directions: follow the signs "Aspire Lounge" on the 2nd floor in the Airside Center or in Terminal E (Non-Schengen)
