CHAMPIONS OF HOSPITALITY AWARDS

Join us on Thursday, October 29 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa for a memorable evening celebrating the resilient and innovative spirit of our local hospitality industry. All proceeds from this annual event support the TEAM GPS Foundation, providing college scholarships for local students and career-advancing training and certification programs for our hospitality workforce.

Nominations are now open! 

Nominations are now open for all specialty award categories listed below. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations recognizing outstanding businesses, business owners, and managers who have made exceptional contributions to Greater Palm Springs and the hospitality industry.

Please note that Hospitality Champion Awards, which recognize outstanding frontline and heart-of-house hospitality employees, must be submitted by the nominee's employer. These awards are designed to celebrate team members who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional guest experiences and supporting the success of their organizations.

To request a Hospitality Champion Award nomination form, please contact Jackie Vega at jackie@visitgreaterps.com.

Click the award names below to submit your nominations by July 24, 2026.

SAN JACINTO RISING STAR
The San Jacinto Rising Star Award honors an emerging professional in hospitality or tourism who is making a significant impact early in their career. Nominees should have fewer than 5 years in the industry or be under 40 years of age, and actively contribute to the promotion of travel, tourism, or hospitality in Greater Palm Springs. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the skills, talent, attitude, and initiative that define a future leader in our industry. Click here to nominate. 

OASIS AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The Oasis Award honors an individual or organization that has led the way in integrating eco-friendly, green, or sustainable practices into their business or community. This award celebrates innovation, leadership, and a commitment to environmental stewardship in Greater Palm Springs. Click here to nominate. 

PALM AWARD FOR VISITOR EXPERIENCE
The Palm Award recognizes an individual or organization that consistently delivers exceptional guest service, creates memorable experiences, or provides outstanding customer value, ultimately enhancing the Greater Palm Springs brand and inspiring more visitors to our destination. Nominees may reflect excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• Arts & Culture
• Outdoor Adventure
• Culinary Experiences
• Health & Wellness
• Culture & Heritage

Click here to nominate.

SANTA ROSA COMMUNITY IMPACT CHAMPION
The Community Impact Award honors an individual or organization that has made a meaningful contribution to strengthening Greater Palm Springs through leadership, service, innovation, advocacy, or community engagement. Nominees may be recognized for efforts that enhance quality of life, promote diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, workforce development, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, or support the long-term vitality of the region. This award celebrates those whose work has created a positive and lasting impact on our community and destination. Click here to nominate. 

Click here for information, winners, and videos from the 2025 champions of hospitality awards gala.