Champions of Hospitality Awards to Celebrate the Region’s Tourism Industry and Workforce on November 20 

GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 25, 2025) – Visit Greater Palm Springs will celebrate the individuals and organizations that exemplify the spirit of hospitality and the power of tourism at the annual Champions of Hospitality Awards on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. 

This year’s event will honor the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians with the prestigious Spirit of Tourism Award, recognizing the Tribe’s leadership, stewardship, and long-standing contributions to the region’s tourism economy. Through visionary developments such as the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, The Spa at Séc-he, Tahquitz Canyon, the Indian Canyons, the Indian Canyons Golf Resort, and world-class resort and entertainment venues, the Tribe continues to elevate the destination’s profile while honoring the cultural heritage and traditions that make Greater Palm Springs unique. 

The Spirit of Tourism Award is the highest honor presented at the Champions of Hospitality Awards, recognizing leadership and commitment that elevate Greater Palm Springs’ tourism industry. 

Past Spirit of Tourism Award Winners include: Chairman Richard M. Milanovich (2012), Alexander Haagen III (2013), The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies (2014), Aftab Dada (2015), Frank Jones (2016), Tim Ellis (2017), Paul Tollett (2018), Harold Matzner (2019), Tom Scaramellino (2022), Tim Leiweke (2023), and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (2024). 

The annual gala, presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs and benefiting the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, unites hospitality professionals, partners, and community leaders from across the Coachella Valley. The evening highlights the transformative impact of tourism on the region’s economy, celebrates the people who bring its welcoming spirit to life, and raises vital funds to support workforce development programs. 

This year, the Tourism Foundation will award $45,000 in college scholarships to local students pursuing degrees in hospitality and tourism. The Foundation received more than 300 nominations across award categories this year, underscoring the depth of talent and dedication in the local hospitality community. 

“Champions of Hospitality is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder that our tourism industry thrives because of the people who make every visitor feel welcome,” said Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “We are proud to recognize the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians with the Spirit of Tourism Award for their enduring impact on our destination’s cultural, economic, and community vitality.” 

The Champions of Hospitality Awards also spotlight individuals and organizations across multiple categories, including: 

  • Hospitality Award – recognizing excellence in guest service and hospitality. 

  • Palm Award for Visitor Experience – honoring those who elevate the destination through innovative visitor experiences. 

  • Oasis Award for Sustainability – celebrating leadership in sustainable tourism. 

  • Santa Rosa Impact Award – acknowledging efforts that promote inclusion, representation, and accessibility in the industry. 

  • San Jacinto Rising Star Award – recognizing emerging leaders making a difference early in their hospitality careers. 

Event Details 
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 
Location: Palm Springs Convention Center 
Reception & Registration: 5:30 PM 
Dinner & Awards: 6:30–8:30 PM 
Attire: Cocktail 
Tickets & Tables: onecau.se/2025champions  

Proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales benefit the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, which supports scholarships, mentorship programs, and initiatives that advance sustainability, accessibility, and diversity within the local tourism industry. 

For more information contact:  

Davis Meyer davis@visitgreaterps.com | 770-969-1360 

About Visit Greater Palm Springs 
The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation is committed to economic mobility for residents of the Coachella Valley and advancing our tourism workforce along with improving sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry. Foundation programs include college scholarships to local students pursuing degrees in hospitality, supporting industry mentorship and internship programs, and providing grants to cities for projects that enhance the visitor experience or advance accessibility, sustainability, diversity, equity, or inclusion in our community. 

About the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation 
The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation is committed to economic mobility for residents of the Coachella Valley and advancing our tourism workforce along with improving sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry. Foundation programs include college scholarships to local students pursuing degrees in hospitality, supporting industry mentorship and internship programs, and providing grants to cities for projects that enhance the visitor experience or advance accessibility, sustainability, diversity, equity, or inclusion in our community.