“Discover Your Korea” Captivates the Midwest and the West

“Discover Your Korea” Captivates the Midwest and the West

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 8, 2024

Recently, Chicago and Los Angeles were abuzz with excitement as the "Discover Your Korea" events unfolded, offering a captivating glimpse into the vibrant culture of South Korea. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism along with the Korea Tourism Organization, these events aimed to showcase the allure of Korea as a premier travel destination, particularly to the Midwest and Western US regions.

In Chicago, “Discover Your Korea” took center stage at the Blackstone Hotel, drawing travel industry professionals from across the Midwest. Jaesok Park, executive director of the Korea Tourism Organization's NY Office, expressed enthusiasm about bringing Korea's vibrancy to Chicago and fostering stronger ties with key decision-makers in the region: “We are thrilled to bring a glimpse of the vibrant destination of Korea to Chicago and showcase the unique adventures that await visitors. The Midwest market is incredibly important to us, and these promotional events will strengthen our connections with key decision makers with the goal of inspiring more visitors to experience Korea firsthand.”

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With the number of U.S. tourists visiting Korea surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the event capitalized on this momentum, highlighting Korea's appeal as a top travel destination. Attendees immersed themselves in Korea's captivating history, K-pop culture, and cuisine while enjoying performances by Korean musicians and dancers.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, “Discover Your Korea” event unfolded at the JW Marriott LA Live, offering participants an enriching journey into Korean culture. Business meetings, seminars, and cultural activities captivated the imaginations of over 160 participants from the Western US B2B Tourism Industry.

Distinguished speakers from leading airlines and tourism organizations highlighted the significance of regional tourism resources, while attendees experienced traditional Korean attire, calligraphy, and gift-wrapping firsthand.

The event culminated in an extravagant dinner banquet featuring a keynote speech by Chan Ho Park, the first South Korean Major League Baseball player, who shared inspiring anecdotes from his personal journey and career: “We appreciate the collaboration of all our partners and look forward to even more prominent and dynamic tourism activities this year.” 

Heejin Cho, the executive director of international marketing of Korea Tourism Organization, said, "We are so happy with the great turn out and the continued interest in Korea as one of top travel destinations. We appreciate the collaboration of all our partners and look forward to even more prominent and dynamic tourism activities this year."

Korea’s diverse attractions, from the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil shores of Jeju Island, were showcased, inviting travelers to explore this dynamic destination further.


Marriott International Recognised Among Top Five in 2025 World’s Best Workplaces

Marriott International Recognised Among Top Five in 2025 World’s Best Workplaces

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has been recognised as one of the top five World’s Best Workplaces for 2025 by Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine. The global recognition underscores Marriott’s enduring commitment to excellence, its strong people-first culture, and its focus on fostering employee growth across the world.

“We are honored to once again be named one of the world’s best workplaces. This recognition reflects Marriott’s longstanding commitment to excellence and our people-first culture that continues to be our north star across the company and around the world,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “This year’s recognition is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our global teams and a powerful affirmation of the core values we’ve upheld for nearly a century. I am proud of our associates’ dedication to creating authentic and memorable experiences for our members and guests and being a force for good in our communities.”

Marriott’s culture is built on its “Be” people brand, which empowers associates to begin their career journey, belong to a global team, and become the best version of themselves. The company’s signature learning initiative, Elevate, helps frontline associates step into leadership roles by providing essential skills and confidence for career advancement.

According to Marriott, associates who participated in Elevate are twice as likely to experience career growth through a job change within the organisation and over five times more likely to be promoted compared to those who have not yet taken part in the program.

Today, nearly 800,000 associates around the world proudly wear the Marriott badge, delivering exceptional guest experiences and building rewarding careers. The company’s ongoing recognition as one of the best workplaces globally reflects its deep commitment to opportunity, empowerment, and community impact.

“The powerful impact of these great companies on our planet is a sacred trust,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. “Of the more than nine million employees surveyed, more workers at these remarkable companies say their company trusts them and wants them to grow as people and professionals. These economic powerhouses also strengthen the communities where they operate and are leaving behind a better world than the one they inherited.”

Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief of Fortune, added, “The World’s Best Workplaces list casts an important spotlight on what employees believe are today’s exceptional workplaces, companies where they feel trusted, empowered, and energized to do their best work.”

To learn more about Marriott’s workplace culture and career opportunities, visit Marriott Careers.


Four Seasons unveils New World Icons 2027 Private Jet Experience with five first-time destinations

Four Seasons unveils New World Icons 2027 Private Jet Experience with five first-time destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Marking a decade of redefining luxury travel, Four Seasons has announced the debut of New World Icons, an all-new Private Jet Experience itinerary set to take flight from March 26 to April 14, 2027. The 20-day global journey introduces five first-time destinations, Jaipur, Venice, Iceland, Anguilla, and Los Cabos, along with the return of two guest favourites, Hong Kong and Langkawi.

The New World Icons experience invites 48 travellers to embark on an extraordinary adventure combining city vibrancy, island serenity, and natural splendour. Highlights include snowmobiling across Iceland’s Langjökull Glacier, admiring the grandeur of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, and exploring Langkawi’s limestone karsts and mangrove forests. Guests will stay at some of the newest and most iconic Four Seasons properties, including the soon-to-open Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol.

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Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Four Seasons, said, “The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience continues to evolve with our guests’ growing curiosity and desire for transformative and meaningful travel. New World Icons builds on our legacy of seamless, personalized travel, boundless freedom, and unrivalled discovery, continuing to redefine how guests experience the world with Four Seasons.”

The curated itinerary spans seven destinations, Hong Kong, Langkawi, Jaipur, Venice, Iceland, Anguilla, and Los Cabos, balancing cultural depth and relaxation. Guests can expect exclusive experiences such as palace galas in Jaipur, helicopter rides over Cortina d’Ampezzo from Venice, and deep-sea fishing in Los Cabos. Each journey is supported by a dedicated Four Seasons team, including an Executive Chef, Concierge, Journey Physician, and Experience Manager, ensuring world-class comfort aboard the customized Airbus A321neo-LR designed for just 48 passengers.

Priced from USD 219,000 per person (based on double occupancy), New World Icons represents Four Seasons’ latest step in expanding its experiential travel offerings.

Meanwhile, most of the 2026 Four Seasons Private Jet itineraries, including Asia Unveiled, Ancient Explorer, International Intrigue, and World of Wellness, are already near full capacity, reaffirming the growing demand for immersive, personalized global travel.

With New World Icons, Four Seasons once again elevates the art of journeying, blending luxury, exploration, and cultural connection into one seamless experience.


Zostel marks global debut with 100th property launch in Phuket, Thailand

Zostel marks global debut with 100th property launch in Phuket, Thailand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 15, 2025

Zostel, India’s largest community-led backpacker hostel brand, has announced its entry into the international market with the launch of Zostel Phuket, Thailand, its 100th property and first overseas destination. This milestone marks a defining moment in the brand’s journey from a homegrown travel movement to a global hospitality player.

Since its inception, Zostel has been synonymous with social, affordable, and experience-led travel for young explorers. Its expansion into Thailand not only celebrates its numerical achievement but also reflects the brand’s evolving philosophy, that travel is about connection, community, and shared experiences.

Located in the heart of Phuket, the new hostel captures Zostel’s signature design ethos of fostering creativity and belonging. With vibrant lounges, a courtyard café, and relaxed social zones, Zostel Phuket invites travellers to mingle, collaborate, and discover while embracing the island’s laid-back tropical energy.

Speaking on the launch, Aviral Gupta, CEO at Zo World, said, “Zostel Phuket is not just our 100th property, it’s our first footprint in a world without borders. This milestone reflects our vision of uniting people and cultures through travel. Over the next 12 months, we’re excited to take this movement deeper into Southeast Asia, with new Zostels lined up across Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Koh Phangan and further expansions planned in Bali, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.”

Zostel’s global push comes as part of the Zo World ecosystem, which is scaling across multiple travel and lifestyle verticals. Alongside Zostel’s hostels, the company is expanding Zo Trips across Europe and Asia, developing Zo House San Francisco in the United States, and growing Zo Villas across key leisure destinations.

These initiatives collectively aim to create a borderless travel network, connecting people, places, and cultures through purpose and community. For Zostel, reaching 100 hostels is not merely a number but a symbolic transformation, from being India’s backpacker pioneer to becoming a global connector of cultures.

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