Skift dug through the latest annual filings to see which metrics hotel boards are using to determine CEO pay and which CEOs got the biggest awards. Marriott’s CEO came out on top, but most interesting to us was the reason: Marriott’s board paid more for its CEO to plant flags and sign loyalty members than to max out profit margins. We’ve got the full roundup.
Meanwhile, in another story, we previewed 7 things to watch during earnings season, which is just getting started. It was a sluggish 2025, but it looks like the leading hotel groups will post their best quarter in a year.
THE ASCOTT LIMITED + SKIFT
Ascott is moving beyond fixed hotel formats, using a multi-typology strategy to adapt brands across property types and respond faster to changing traveler behavior and demand patterns.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Why Hotel Owners in Asia Are Turning to Global Brands to Stay Competitive [SPONSORED]
April 24, 2026
Asia’s hotel pipeline is still growing, but an increasing share of that growth is coming from existing properties rather than new builds, as owners tap global brands like Accor for distribution, loyalty, and pricing power.
SKIFT PODCAST NETWORK
Hotel stocks are flying high, and the big brands have never looked more profitable. But the people who actually own the hotels say they have never felt more squeezed. In this clip, Skift Editor in Chief Sarah Kopit explains why the franchise model is starting to show cracks. She breaks down what’s driving the pressure, including higher interest rates, higher construction costs, and weakening economics at the property level, even as the brand side continues to win.
SKIFT TRAVEL 200
How are public accommodations companies performing around the world? The Skift Travel 200 pulls the data you need to know to understand the market. Paid subscribers get full access here.
