The 2016 edition of the Fortune 500 list of the world’s most admired companies has been released, and there are many familiar names to the meetings industry that made top billing.
Marriott International was the top-ranked company among hotels, casinos and resorts, and placed No. 29 on the list, overall. Others in the industry that made the list were Hilton Worldwide, Wynn Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, Wyndham Worldwide and MGM Resorts International.
Hilton Worldwide held onto the No. 2 spot again in 2016. Likewise, Hyatt Hotels placed No. 4 in the industry, the same ranking they received last year.
Wynn Resorts was the highest ranking casino on the list, ranking No. 3 out of 13 internationally distinguished hospitality companies. Wynn Resorts ranked first overall in the category of quality of products/services among all international hotel companies.
Wyndham Worldwide has now made the list seven times. Its most recent accolades, in addition to making Fortune’s list, include being named World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute, and being recognized as one of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc.
MGM Resorts International jumped two spots from last year, ranking No. 6 within the industry.
Flying High on the Fortune 500 List
Two airlines also broke the top 50 mark for all industries on the list. Southwest Airlines ranked No. 7 overall, and Delta Airlines came in at No. 30. Southwest has been among the top 10 for 17 out of 22 consecutive years on the list.
“More than four decades ago, Southwest was founded on a people-first philosophy that has served us well and stood the test of time,” said Gary Kelly, chairman, president and CEO of Southwest Airlines. “To be recognized as a world’s most admired company 22 consecutive times is a testament to our people, who I believe are the best in the world. They are my heroes, and this honor belongs to them.”
Other airlines on the Forbes 500 list were Singapore Airlines, Air France-KLM Group, United Continental, Cathaway Pacific Airlines and Lufthansa Group.
Fortune partnered with Korn Ferry Hay Group and asked 4,000 executives, directors, and securities analysts from 652 companies in 30 countries around the world to rate companies in their industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. Leaders chose the top 25 percent of winners from last year’s survey in addition to considering the top 20 percent in their industry.
