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.
- Acrisure Arena
- Timothy Esser - Tour de Palm Springs
Rising Stars
Presented to individuals with less than 5 years of experience or under 40, contributing to travel, tourism, and hospitality.
- Madalyn Botello - Wally’s Desert Turtle
- Miles Kochackis - Hotel Paseo
- Danielle Lauriente - Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
- Ashley Ortega - Eventis Destination Services
- Mike Tolle - Encore Global at The Palm Springs Convention Center
Santa Rosa Diversity Champions
Recognizes efforts to improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in hospitality.
- Greater Palm Springs NACE DEI Committee
- Kayla Kruger - Thompson Palm Springs
San Jacinto Award
Presented for visionary leadership and collaboration to enhance Greater Palm Springs tourism.
- Andrew Cooper - La Quinta Resort & Club
- Rob Hampton - Palm Springs Convention Center
- Patrick Klein - The Gardens on El Paseo
Awards Gala
Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
Venue: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
All proceeds support the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation: GPSTourismFoundation.com
Describe Our Local Hospitality Industry in One Word
Hospitality is more than greeting others with a smile. It's the summation of warmth and kindliness. It's bringing families and friends together and transforming everyday experiences into extraordinary ones — it's you.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Thank You To Our Platinum Sponsors
Thank You To Our Gold Sponsors
Thank You To Our Silver Sponsors