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

Thank You To Our Sponsors

encore logoJW Marriott Logo

Thank You To Our Platinum Sponsors

Desert Champions LogoCity of Rancho Mirage Logo

Thank You To Our Gold Sponsors

EventisDavid Feltman LogoCity of Palm Springs Logo

Thank You To Our Silver Sponsors

Hilton Palm Springs Logo  Azure Palms Logo  Poolside Vacation Rentals logoGrand Hyatt Logo - COH 

 Sysco Logo   Indian Wells Golf Resort logoLa quinta Resort and Club LogoHampton Inn Logo PD and Indio

 

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