Champions Of Hospitality Feted In Palm Desert

More than 800 hospitality professionals, students, and their families from across the Coachella Valley gathered to celebrate the spirit of Greater Palm Springs tourism at the annual Champions of Hospitality Gala, held yesterday evening at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. The event, presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs, brought together the local hospitality community and highlighted the profound impact of tourism employees on local businesses and visitors. 

The gala not only honored individuals and organizations that embody the innovative spirit of Greater Palm Springs’ tourism industry but also served as a fundraising initiative for the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, raising more than $117,000 through sponsorships, silent auctions, and donations. Additionally, the foundation awarded $35,000 in college scholarships to deserving students, fostering the next generation of hospitality leaders. 

Film critic and radio and TV personality Manny the Movie Guy, along with Kitty Alvarado, the City of Palm Springs Public Information Officer, emceed the evening, which featured over 250 nominations across various categories. Recognitions included the Hospitality Awards for exceptional customer service and the Rising Star Awards for individuals making significant contributions early in their hospitality careers.

SPECIAL AWARDS:
 

• The Oasis Award for Sustainability: Recognizes initiatives in eco-friendly tourism. Winner: Mark and Nicole Tadros/The Packhouse at Aziz Farms.
   

• The Santa Rosa Diversity Award: Highlights efforts promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. Winners: Greater Palm Springs Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) DEI Committee and Kayla Kruger, Thompson Palm Springs.
   

• The San Jacinto Award: Presented to individuals who have made a profound impact on the greater Palm Springs tourism industry through visionary leadership, collaboration, and dedication. Winners: Andrew Cooper, La Quinta Resort & Club; Rob Hampton, Palm Springs Convention Center; and Patrick Klein, The Gardens on El Paseo. 

• The Palm Award for Visitor Experience: Honors individuals or organizations who, by consistently ensuring extremely high-quality guest services, unique experiences, or customer value, elevates the greater palm springs brand and inspires more visitors to our destination. Winners: Acrisure Arena and Timothy Esser/Tour de Palm Springs. 

• The Spirit of Tourism Award: The evening’s highest honor, celebrates a leader’s impact on the destination’s economy and quality of life. Winner: Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. This prestigious award was presented in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the region’s economy through innovative conservation tourism efforts, their dedication to preserving and showcasing the unique biodiversity of the desert ecosystem, and their role as an educational and cultural hub for both residents and visitors. The Living Desert’s ongoing efforts to inspire a love for nature while promoting sustainability have made them an integral part of Greater Palm Springs’ identity as a world-class destination.
   

As part of the Champions of Hospitality celebration, a heartfelt tribute video honored the late Tony Bruggemans for his unparalleled contributions to Palm Springs’ hospitality community. Following the video, CSUSB student Diego Rendon was announced as the recipient of the first Tony Bruggemans Memorial Scholarship. 

The gala concluded with a surprise Visionary Leader Award, presented by the Joint Powers Authority (JPA), to Visit Greater Palm Springs President & CEO Scott White. 

Scholarship winners at Champions of Hospitality Gala in Palm Desert Nov 26th 2024

Photo from Visit Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation