The“ How Hospitality Leaders Are Winning Now” panel addressed smarter operations driving better profit. From left, moderator Glenn Haussman; Katie Moro of Amadeus; Michael McNames of Sandman Hotel Group; Irene Villafranca of Minor Hotels; and Chris Cylke of RevPAR International.
Problem Solving
HOTEL PROFIT MARGINS ARE SINKING. CAN TECH FIX IT?
By DAVID EISEN
I
n January, at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, in Los Angeles, one of the hotel industry’ s worst-kept secrets was said aloud:“ If somebody isn’ t willing to be asset heavy, then the asset-light game stops.” It was uttered by Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, during a panel session in front of the hotel investment community.
Its impact was immediate: an unvarnished articulation made by someone who the asset-light strategy benefits the most. Years ago, before hotel companies spun off their owned real estate and pivoted to franchising, lending their name and likeness in exchange for fees, they dealt with the many same and thorny issues that needle hotel
68 hotelsmag. com May / June 2026