Cross Hotels & Resorts recorded a 275% YoY growth in room nights from India in 2024. The group has recently opened Lumen Bangkok and is going to open Cross Vibe Bangkok and Away Bangkok Sukhumvit in Bangkok in July to cater to the growing demand from travellers.
Surbhi Sharma
With Indian outbound travel on a strong upward trajectory due to rising disposable income in the hands of people, countries and hospitality brands across the world are intensifying their efforts to woo Indians. Cross Hotels & Resorts in Thailand is also tailoring experiences to the evolving preferences of Indian travellers.
Chatchaya Glaiprayong, Head of Global Sales, Cross Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are aligning our hotel offerings with the aspirations of tourists seeking not just leisure, but immersive and meaningful getaways. Our goal is to ensure a seamless travel experience that highlights the beauty of our properties across destinations. We are developing travel packages that resonate with Indian guests—be it family-friendly adventures, wellness escapes, or romantic getaways—all with a focus on sustainability and authenticity.”
Evolving preferences
Traditionally drawn to Thailand’s beaches, nightlife and shopping, Indians are now exploring cultural sites and wellness retreats. Cross Hotels & Resorts has responded to this shift by enhancing its offerings, to appeal to those looking for deeper cultural and wellness experiences. “There is a definite shift toward wellness retreats, cultural experiences, and even adventure,” she says.
Expanding India ties
Cross Hotels is currently working with a wide network of Indian OTAs, B2B aggregators, DMCs and tour operators, and plans to deepen these collaborations in 2025. Key strategies include exclusive deals and packages, joint promotions, co-hosted events and system-level integration to streamline bookings. Apart from FIT, the brand’s focus is on boosting MICE and destination wedding segments by offering customisable packages, competitive rates, attractive discounts and commissions to incentivise Indian travel agents and drive conversions.