Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Franchising, Marketing and Reservation Activities

v3.19.3.a.u2
Franchising, Marketing and Reservation Activities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Franchisors [Abstract]  
Franchising and Marketing and Reservation Activities
7. FRANCHISING, MARKETING AND RESERVATION ACTIVITIES

Royalties and franchise fee revenues on the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income include initial franchise fees of $18 million, $20 million and $14 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In accordance with its franchise agreements, generally Wyndham Hotels is contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation fees it collects from franchisees for the operation of an international, centralized, brand-specific reservation system and for marketing purposes such as advertising, promotional and co-marketing programs, and training for the respective franchisees. Additionally, the Company is required to provide certain services to its franchisees, including technology and purchasing programs.
Development advance notes
The Company may, at its discretion, provide development advance notes to certain franchisees or hotel owners in order to assist them in converting to one of Wyndham Hotels’ brands, in building a new hotel to be flagged under one of Wyndham Hotels’ brands or in assisting in other franchisee expansion efforts. Provided the franchisee/hotel owner is in compliance with the terms of the franchise/management agreement, all or a portion of the development advance notes may be forgiven by Wyndham Hotels over the period of the franchise/management agreement, which typically ranges from 10 to 20 years. Otherwise, the related principal is due and payable to Wyndham Hotels. In certain instances, Wyndham Hotels may earn interest on unpaid franchisee development advance notes.
The Company recorded the following related to development advance notes on the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
As of December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Development advance notes (a)
$
84

 
$
78

_____________________
(a)
Included within other non-current assets.
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income:
Year Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Forgiveness of notes (a)
$
8

 
$
7

 
$
6

Bad debt expense related to notes
2

 
1

 

Interest earned on unpaid notes
1

 
1

 

_____________________
(a)
Amounts are recorded as a reduction of royalties and franchise fees and marketing, reservation and loyalty revenues.