Why are hotels entering banking? The battle for a guest is no longer fought only through reservations

Photo: AI hrturizam

Author  Goran Rihelj

25. July 2026.
When a hotel company introduces a debit card, the first reaction may be that it is another addition to the loyalty program. Card, points, status and several benefits for frequent guests. But behind the new products of Hilton, Marriott and IHG is a much more serious business change. Hotels do not become banks in the regulatory sense. Cards are issued by financial institutions and payment partners, while the hotel...
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Author  Goran Rihelj

25. July 2026.