Marriott International has climbed to the second spot on Great Place to Work's 2026 ranking of best workplaces in Asia for large companies, moving up from third place a year earlier. The recognition, based on the Trust Index survey of Marriott associates, underscores the hotel group's focus on building a culture of trust, empowerment, and inclusion across its 22 Asian markets, including 12 in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC).
Associate feedback drives regional gains
The ranking is derived from confidential employee surveys that measure credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. Marriott's improved position reflects a steady rise in certification: 15 markets achieved Great Place to Work certification in 2026, up from 10 in 2025. Eight markets also earned spots on national best-workplace lists, with South Korea and India collecting six special awards, including Best Workplaces for Women and Best Workplaces for Health & Wellness.
Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International, credited the company's people-first ethos for the achievement. “We are humbled by the achievements seen not just in one market, but across the region,” he said. “Beyond awards, the results are validations from our associates that their feeling of belonging is deeply rooted in our core value of putting people first.”
The recognition extends beyond internal culture. In the first half of 2026, more than 180,000 Marriott associates contributed over 363,000 volunteer hours across the region, part of the company's broader commitment to community engagement. Marriott also reported a 38% increase in the representation of persons with disabilities across APEC since 2025, with notable progress in Australia, Indonesia, and India.
For travel industry professionals, the ranking signals Marriott's continued emphasis on workforce stability and service quality, factors that directly influence guest experiences at properties such as Pattaya Marriott's wellness offerings and JW Marriott Phu Quoc's culinary festivals. A motivated, engaged staff is increasingly a differentiator in the competitive hospitality landscape, where talent retention remains a top priority for hotel groups across Asia.
Marriott's rise in the rankings also comes as the group expands its footprint in the region. Recent initiatives include promotional offers at its Mauritius properties and new culinary concepts at its Hua Hin resort. The company's ability to maintain high workplace standards while scaling operations is a key factor in its sustained performance on employer-of-choice lists.
Great Place to Work's Asia list is compiled annually from surveys of employees at companies with more than 500 staff. Marriott's second-place finish places it ahead of many global hotel competitors and reflects a broader trend in the industry toward prioritizing employee well-being as a strategic business goal.
For hoteliers and travel executives, the results offer a benchmark for workplace culture initiatives. As Marriott demonstrates, investing in associate satisfaction can yield tangible recognition and, ultimately, better guest service. The company's focus on inclusivity, volunteerism, and career development provides a model that other hospitality groups may look to emulate.
