Final answer:
A franchise agreement represents the owner in the operation of a hotel. A hotel may have both a brand affiliation and a franchise agreement.
Step-by-step explanation:
A brand affiliation allows the hotel to use the branding, marketing, and operational support of a well-established hotel brand. A franchise agreement, on the other hand, is a legal contract that grants the hotel owner the right to operate a hotel using the established brand's name, logo, and business model.
This type of affiliation is a relatively new phenomenon, as it allows independent hotel owners to benefit from the reputation and resources of a well-known hotel brand.