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.

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.

Family vacations became one of the biggest trends of 2025, with parents looking for trips that inspire kids, open up new experiences, and help everyone reconnect. This Children’s Day, celebrate the joy of discovery with these five adventures perfect for young minds and growing explorers.

Seychelles: Nature’s Playground

Seychelles is a paradise for kids who love nature and open spaces. One of the most memorable experiences is meeting the friendly Aldabra tortoises on Curieuse Island, a moment little ones will talk about for years. Families can also hop onto a semi-submarine and watch coral reefs, colourful fish, and underwater life from glass panels, all without getting wet.

The fun doesn’t end there. Kayak through calm lagoons, stroll through Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO site that looks straight out of a storybook or unwind with easy beach picnics at Anse Lazio. You can also take a ferry to La Digue and explore its bike-friendly paths, or end the day building sandcastles at Beau Vallon’s long, golden beach.

Pro Tip: Pre-book your SemiSub ride as slots fill fast, and carry reef-safe sunscreen.

Qatar: The Middle East’s Water Wonderland

For kids who can’t get enough of water activities, Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park is the ultimate destination. Located inside Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, it has more than 30 rides and slides, from twisting tube chutes to wave pools, surf simulators, and even cliff jumping for kids who meet the height requirement.

There’s plenty to enjoy after drying off too go-karting, laser tag, arcade games, and a lively Kids Club with movie nights, crafts, and face painting. Families can wrap up the day on the private beach, with kayaking, paddleboarding, and sandy fun for everyone.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Kabayan Fiesta this Children’s Day to enjoy Filipino music, culture, and food.

Ras Al Khaimah: From Sky to the Sea to Desert

Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for pre-teens and teens who want both thrill and discovery. Start with a desert safari at Bassata Camp, or trek up to Camp 1770 for stunning mountain views and cosy campfire evenings under the stars. If your family loves adrenaline, take on the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais, open to adventurers aged 12 and above.

For relaxed moments, kids can enjoy the Starfish Adventure Kids Club, jump around at the Wibit floating water park, and end the day with Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island’s much-loved Chocolate Hour.

Pro Tip: Pre-book the zipline and pack warm clothes for camping nights.

Tokyo Skytree: A Towering Treat for Curious Minds

Tokyo Skytree offers a whole new view of the city, giving kids the thrill of spotting trains, rivers, and tiny cityscapes from 350 or 450 metres above ground. Children can also meet Sorakara-chan, the tower’s cheerful mascot.

Right next door is Tokyo Solamachi, a buzzing zone packed with family-friendly stops. Visit the Sumida Aquarium to watch penguins and glowing jellyfish, explore interactive touch tanks, or let kids go wild at Chikyū no Niwa  the indoor play area. Solamachi’s cute cafés, anime shops, and sweet stalls add even more charm to the day.

Pro Tip: Book your Skytree time slot early, especially during busy seasons. A “tower + aquarium + play zone” combo keeps the day fun and smooth.

Krabi: Magical Days in Thailand’s Tranquil South

Krabi feels straight out of a fairy tale, with turquoise water, majestic cliffs, and soft sandy shores that kids absolutely love. Families can kayak through hidden lagoons, snorkel with colourful fish, or go island hopping for picnics on sandbars that appear and disappear with the tide.

Back on shore, little ones can join Thai craft sessions, cooking workshops, nature walks, or treasure hunts at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Evenings are just as magical, thanks to fire shows, starlit barbecues, and the calming rhythm of the sea.

Pro Tip: Ask your experience ambassador to include the Thai monk blessing ceremony, a lovely way for families to connect with gratitude and spirituality.