X2 Vibe Chiang Mai Decem — Source: Cross Hotels & Resorts

Cross Hotels & Resorts has once again proven that Drive, Passion and Creativity go hand in hand with strong business partnerships with the announcement that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Buzz Travel Marketing India. The exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) agreement facilitates Cross Hotels & Resorts move into the fastest growing travel market in APAC at a challenging period in the global travel industry.

"India is the most dynamic market in the Asia Pacific region with more than 50 million people forecast to take overseas trips this year. For many years, India has been a key source market for Thailand and the Southeast Asian region. Indian business and leisure travellers contribute to a diversity of segments that include weddings, MICE, leisure, FITs and group travel. In 2019, Thailand alone received 1.9 million Indian arrivals, setting a new record for tourism trade between the two countries," said Paul Wilson, Executive Vice President, Commercial at Cross Hotels & Resorts.

Always on the front foot looking to advance its global customer base, Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to actively seek out dynamic partners that will help boost its global distribution network. "This alliance is a major investment for us and one that I believe will bear fruit. I am keenly aware of the development of the India travel market and as such we're totally committed to delivering memorable experiences for all our guests. As a team we shall be incisive, focused and uncompromising in our approach and I am confident the Cross Hotels - Buzz Travel partnership will be very exciting venture."

"Working to garner a first-rate response from the India market for Cross Hotels, Buzz Travel Marketing will channel its vast experience in the field of tourism in providing an agile and personified service, backed by an expert team of professionals. The Cross Hotels & Resorts portfolio available to our Indian guests includes three leading brands - X2, five-star hotels and resorts; X2 Vibe, lifestyle hotels and resorts; and Away, casual resorts and retreats," added Paul.

With more than 25 years' experience in the travel business, Buzz Travel Marketing's focused and effective representation makes them an ideal choice for Cross Hotels & Resorts expansion into the India market. Bringing vast experience in the tourism sector to the table, Buzz Travel inspires confidence with a professional team that compliments the travel trade both at home and on the global stage.

"We are delighted with this partnership with Cross Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality brand which serves as a perfect fit for the new-age Indian travellers. As an increasing number of Indian travellers continue to fly to Southeast Asia for leisure and business, we are convinced that Cross Hotels will offer the perfect escapade for new experiences. Each property, with its unique character and design, offers a compelling option for Indian guests. We look forward to establishing this unique brand in India and endeavoring to make Cross Hotels a brand to reckon with," said Nikhil Jeet, Director at Buzz Travel Marketing.

Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to drive excellence in comprehensive business solutions across the globe with new and existing brands and successful collaboration with partners such as Buzz Travel Marketing. Currently operating 24 properties across Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam with a further 2,000 rooms under development, Cross Hotels & Resorts has an established and growing portfolio of well-placed and well-defined brands with hotels and resorts ratings ranging from 3.5 to 5 stars.

About Buzz Travel Marketing India

Buzz Travel Marketing India has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry and is one of India's most dynamic and proactive travel representation companies offering Sales, Marketing, Media and PR Services for international tourism products. It is a focused marketing organization, which develops and builds brands, coupled with sales and distribution through the Indian travel industry and direct consumer channels. For further information, visit www.buzztravelmarketing.com.

About Cross Hotels & Resorts

Cross Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel management company wholly owned by the ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). FCTG is one of the world's largest and progressive travel companies, incorporating diverse worldwide distribution, in destination travel experiences such as transport and touring as well as hotel management solutions. Cross Hotels & Resorts also delivers owner services all the way from the very early sourcing and planning stages of a development, through technical services during build, to pre-opening services and finally professional ongoing hotel management. For more detailed information, visit crosshotelsandresorts.com.