Marriott is launching a new fee rebate program this week that pays back hotel franchisees directly from its own profit and loss statement, rather than the shared fund owners pay into, writes Hospitality Reporter Luke Martin. The program pays back hotels in the U.S. and Canada up to 50 basis points of gross room revenue if they hit strong guest satisfaction scores.

The new fee rebate program comes after owner pressure. In March, 51 owners representing 990 hotels sent a letter to Marriott leaders seeking a bigger share of credit card revenue. New card deals could add up to $125 million in annual fees by 2028.

When owners push and brands concede, the terms of the franchise model get rewritten in real time.

Christopher Nassetta of Hilton and Geoff Ballotti of Wyndham take the stage at North Javits this September to face the growth and economic decisions reshaping branded hospitality, in a room that runs 76% director-level and above.

EVERMORE ORLANDO RESORT + SKIFT

Evermore Orlando Resort President Elizabeth Mullins explains why relational wellness could reshape resort design and the guest experience. Tune in wherever you get your podcast here.

Evermore Orlando Resort President Elizabeth Mullins says hospitality leaders should think more intentionally about connection, not just as a guest-facing promise, but as part of employee culture and experience design.

In this clip from Good Morning Hospitality, Mullins explains why hotels, resorts, and vacation rental operators should audit their experiences through a “togetherness” lens and create more intentional opportunities for people to gather.

How are public travel companies performing around the world? The Skift Travel 200 pulls the data you need to understand global market movements. Paid subscribers get full access here.

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