GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 30, 2026) – 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, October 29, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

This year’s Spirit of Tourism award, the event’s highest honor, will posthumously recognize Richard R. “Dick” Oliphant, a visionary civic leader, developer and longtime champion of the Coachella Valley whose impact helped shape Greater Palm Springs into the world-renowned tourism destination it is today.

A founding member of the organization that became Visit Greater Palm Springs, Oliphant played an instrumental role in developing many of the region’s defining tourism assets, including the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells Golf Resort and Classic Club, while helping spur the resort development that transformed Indian Wells into a premier destination for tennis, golf and luxury hospitality. His decades of leadership, philanthropy and commitment to the Coachella Valley leave a legacy that continues to benefit residents, visitors and the region’s tourism community.

“Dick Oliphant’s impact on the Coachella Valley is undeniable,” said Rolf Hoehn, Chair of Visit Greater Palm Springs Board of Directors. “He had the ability to see the potential of this region long before others did, and more importantly, the commitment to turn that vision into a reality. He was a true champion of the Coachella Valley, bringing people together around ideas that made our entire region stronger.”

“The annual Champions of Hospitality event is our opportunity to recognize the dedicated people who make Greater Palm Springs such a special place to live, work and visit,” said Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “Dick Oliphant embodied that spirit throughout his life. His vision and decades of leadership helped shape not only the City of Indian Wells, but the tourism industry across our entire region. We are proud to honor his remarkable legacy and the lasting impact his work will have on Greater Palm Springs for generations to come.”

Alongside celebrating the leaders who have shaped the region’s tourism industry, this year’s event will also invest in its future. The TEAM GPS Foundation will award $50,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing careers in the hospitality and tourism sector, helping create pathways for the next generation of industry professionals across all nine cities.

Proceeds from Champions of Hospitality sponsorships and ticket sales benefit the TEAM GPS Foundation, which provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and career development opportunities to local Coachella Valley youth, empowering the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders. This year, nearly 250 nominations were submitted across Champions of Hospitality award categories, reflecting the depth of talent and dedication throughout the region’s hospitality community.

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 Diversity Award – Acknowledging efforts that promote inclusion and representation in the industry.
  • San Jacinto Rising Star Award – Recognizing emerging leaders making a difference early in their hospitality careers.

The Spirit of Tourism Award recognizes exceptional leadership and commitment that elevate Greater Palm Springs’ tourism industry. Past recipients 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), The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (2024), and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (2025).

Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Location: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Reception & Registration: 5:30 PM
Dinner & Awards: 6:30–8:30 PM
Attire: Cocktail
Tickets & Tables: onecau.se/2026champions