In other words, Marriott hotel owners don't have to offer the same rooms or inventory to Expedia as they would to Marriott's own direct channels, and Marriott and its owners continue to be able to offer special room rates and offers for Marriott Bonvoy loyalty members. The deal positions Marriott and Expedia not as enemies, but more as partners. In a letter Marriott International sent to its hotel owners and obtained by Skift, Marriott Chief Commercial Officer Stephanie Linnartz described the deal as one that "redefines our relationship with Expedia beyond transient retail bookings by leveraging Expedia as a technology solution provider." Perhaps the most interesting part of the deal, however, is that Expedia and Marriott are developing "an innovative distribution solution that will address challenges in other leisure segments beyond transient retail bookings." This is expected to debut in the fourth quarter, and is noted in the joint statement issued by both companies on Thursday morning. It states: