CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S WINNERS!

The Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala celebrates the individuals and organizations that embody the resilient and innovative spirit of our local tourism and hospitality industry, uniting our travel community and highlighting the industry’s positive impact on all who live and work in the Coachella Valley. All proceeds from the event support the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation. In 2024, this event was hosted at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

The Spirit of Tourism Award -- presented to an exemplary organization or individual who embodies the spirit of tourism in Greater Palm Springs and has worked diligently to move the overall industry forward in both actions and spirit -- was presented to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Hospitality Award

Awarded for enriching the overall visitor experience by providing exceptional customer service and hospitality.

Attractions | Tours Champions

Elisa Escobar - The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Steve Fraire - Power Baseball and California Winter League
Marjorie "MarMar" Love-Krooms - Escape Room Palm Springs

Boutique or Hot Spring Hotel Champions

Veronica Gutierrez Gonzales - The Springs Resort & Spa
Kim Hudson - Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis

Full-Service Hotel Champions

Gina Ayala - Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Brandi Jones - Hilton Palm Springs

Resort Hotel Champions

Victor Castillo - La Quinta Resort & Club
Louis Delgado - Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
Clara Flores - Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
Sandra Gonzalez - JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Restaurant | Bar Champions

Carlos Argumedo - FARM and Front Porch
Jose Martinez Flick - Parker Palm Springs
Crystal Perez - The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Luis Ramos - Lulu California Bistro
Leslie Vondra - JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Retail Champions

Maricruz Gutierrez-Ortiz - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Lizette Suarez - Destination PSP

Select Service Hotel Champions

Nancy Gonzalez - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Palm Desert-Millennium
Juana Ramirez - Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert

Vacation Rental Champions

Celine Rocha - ACME House Company
Gabriela Ruiz - Palm Desert Vacation Properties

Venue Champions

James Fauscette - Palm Springs Convention Center
David Grothe - Acrisure Arena

Wellness | Spa Champion

Daniela Lopez - The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Oasis Award

Awarded for leading in eco-friendly tourism and implementing green/sustainable practices into their business.

The Packhouse at Aziz Farms (Mark and Nicole Tadros)

Palm Award Visitor Experience

Elevates the Greater Palm Springs brand and inspires more visitors to the destination by consistently ensuring extremely high-quality guest services, unique experiences, or customer value.