Marriott CEO: Most Important Thing for Us Is the Loyalty Program

Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson appeared on CNBC this morning for a wide-ranging interview to discuss the departure of Anbang Insurance Group from the bidding process for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. In addition to talking about the benefits of Marriott's deal over Anbang's he also discussed loyalty, brand distinction, and the moves by some U.S. states to provide religious shields for discriminatory behavior. Appearing much more elated than he has on recent appearances during the three-week bidding war, Sorenson told the hosts, "I'll take congratulations this morning." He argued that Anbang's first offer to buy Starwood was real and worthy of a strong counter-offer from Marriott, while the second offer did not have everything lined up to close it. "Of course we