ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) was recently recognized as a finalist in the Orlando Business Journal's 2012 "Best Places to Work" awards as well as included in the publication's list of "Top 25 Largest Employers" in the July 27 edition.

The only vacation ownership company to make the publication's "Best Places to Work" list, Marriott Vacations Worldwide was one of 24 Orlando employers that drew rave reviews from its workers.

"We are extremely proud to be named as one of Orlando's 'Best Places to Work,' which helps demonstrate our enduring commitment to creating an excellent workplace," said Stephen P. Weisz, president and chief executive officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. "One of our core values is putting people first — so having our own associates provide feedback for this award is a testament of our great culture and unique programs that appreciate and help open doors to a world of opportunities."

This year's competition received 88 nominations which were then narrowed to a list of 24 finalists based on how workers responded to an anonymous online employee engagement survey. The 37 questions focused on topics including trust, feeling valued and recognition. The resulting data was gathered by Quantum Workplace and a proprietary formula was used to rank companies based on employee feedback about their satisfaction with their workplace. The finalists were divided into five divisions, based on number of employees, with Marriott Vacations Worldwide being recognized as one of three companies to have the highest employee satisfactions scores in the "mega" division.

The publication highlighted the company's unique employee benefits including Marriott room rate discounts, Club 25 and Associate Appreciation Week to honor its associates.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide is home to more than 9,600 associates with over 2,200 local, full-time associates in Orlando. The company focuses on providing unforgettable vacation experiences to more than 420,000 Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott Owners and Members around the globe.

About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is the leading global pure-play vacation ownership company. Through a spin-off in late 2011, Marriott Vacations Worldwide was established as an independent, public company focusing primarily on vacation ownership experiences. Since entering the industry in 1984 as part of Marriott International, Inc., the company earned its position as a leader and innovator in vacation ownership products. The company preserves high standards of excellence in serving its customers, investors and associates while maintaining a long-term relationship with Marriott International. Marriott Vacations Worldwide offers a diverse portfolio of quality products, programs and management expertise with more than 60 resorts and more than 420,000 Owners and Members. Its brands include: Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott. For more information, please visit www.marriottvacationsworldwide.com.

SOURCE Marriott Vacations Worldwide