Flight Centre’s Hotel Management Business Cross Hotels and Resorts Set to Take Off
Flight Centre Travel Group’s hotel business has enhanced its position as one of Asia Pacific’s leading hotel operators being named in the top three for fastest growing hotel management companies in the region by industry experts HVS International’s 2019 Asia Pacific Hotel Guide.
Formerly BHMA Hotels & Resorts, the business has been rebranded to Cross Hotels and Resorts, marking the successful transition into the global Flight Centre Travel Group business.
The rebranding to Cross paves the way for a further escalation of the company’s portfolio of rooms under management focusing on South East Asia, Australia, Japan and the Pacific before branching into other international destinations.
It comes off the back of an already encouraging growth period which saw eight new hotels opened across three brands in FY 2019 and a consolidated hotel revenue increase circa 80% in the past 18 months.
Managing Director of Cross Hotels and Resorts, Kent Davidson, said the name change was a natural progression for the company as it embarked on a clear path forward, bringing an exciting pipeline of products, services and businesses solutions to the hospitality sector globally.
“Cross Hotels and Resorts reflects the global standards of Flight Centre Travel Group and will be a signal of excellence in hotel asset management, guest services, and providing owners with outstanding distribution capability,’’ Mr. Davidson said
“Our new name represents our commitment to innovation and reinvention, building on our past foundations and strong track record of integrity, professionalism and success,’’ he said.
“With future agreements already signed in target destinations, and a strong demand for the operating and distribution value proposition offered, we envisage to maintain this growth trajectory into 2020 and beyond.”
CEO Peter Lucas said Cross Hotels and Resorts was building off a very strong base having increased its operating portfolio of hotels by 39% and entering three critical target destinations - Phuket, Vietnam & Bali over the past 12 months.
Recent highlights have included the opening of the X2 Bali Breakers in Uluwatu and Away Bali Legian Camakila; X2 Vibe and Away branded properties in Phuket and the newly opened high-design X2 Oceanphere Residences in Pattaya.
Mr. Lucas said Cross Hotels and Resorts had been well received by a diverse base of international guests with five South East Asian hotels rated number one on TripAdvisor in what is considered as some of the most competitive destinations in the world.
“The future looks very exciting as we continue our growth objectives expanding our footprint in key capital gateway cities and thriving visitor destinations globally,’’ Mr. Lucas said.
“We have a strong pipeline of future acquisitions in place including four key resort destinations in Vietnam which we will sign in 2019.”
Cross Hotels and Resorts currently operates 25 hotels across three distinct brands - X2, X2 Vibe and Away - in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Cross Hotels & Resorts has also benefited from strong managerial appointments over the past six months including experienced international hotelier Paul Wilson as Executive Vice President Commercial and highly regarded hotel executive Jens O. Reichert as Chief Development Officer.
