While the Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala celebrates the individuals and organizations that embody the innovative spirit of the local tourism and hospitality industry, the event also serves as a fundraising vehicle for the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, raising more than $90,000 through sponsorships, silent auction and donations. At the event, the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation awarded $24,000 in scholarships to four college students from across the Coachella Valley and five seniors from Coachella Valley High School’s Hospitality Academy.
NBC Palm Springs morning anchor Thalia Hayden and Telemundo 15 news anchor and reporter Hernan Quintas emceed the Awards, which drew more than 175 nominations across a variety of categories. Twenty individuals were recognized with the Hospitality Award for enriching the overall visitor experience by providing exceptional customer service and hospitality. Special recognition was made to seven individuals considered to be rising stars in the local tourism industry with the San Jacinto Rising Star Award.
The Palm Award was presented to five individuals/organizations who elevate the Greater Palm Springs brand and inspire more visitors to the destination by consistently ensuring extremely high-quality guest services, unique experiences, or customer value.
Two special awards were made to recognize those making a significant impact in the areas of Sustainability and Diversity. The City of La Quinta was the recipient of the Oasis Award for Sustainability for its program of working with every dining establishment in the city on composting. Nathan Kelleher, Guest Relations and Club Lounge Manager at The Ritz Carlton,Rancho Mirage, was presented the Santa Rosa Diversity Award for developing programs that support the LGBTQ+ community in the hospitality industry in the Coachella Valley.
The culminating award of the event, the Spirit of Tourism Award, was presented to Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group/Acrisure Arena, to recognize his embodiment of the spirit of tourism in the valley and his diligent work to move the overall industry forward in both actions and spirit.
2023 Champion on Hospitality Award winners (by category)
Hospitality Awards
Awarded for enriching the overall visitor experience by providing exceptional customer service and hospitality.
- Freddy Barragan, Aguilar Parker Palm Springs
- Angie Bettinelli, Azure Sky Hotel
- Heriberto “Beto” Caballero,Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa
- Margie Diaz, Meredith Lodging
- Elizabeth Donate, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert
- Guillermo Esquivel, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
- Tim Fields, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
- Jessica Gonzales, Acrisure Arena
- Juan Gonzalez,TQLAS and The Hideout Kitchen + Bar
- Levi Hernandez, Escape Room Palm Springs
- Garth Hoyes, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- Yolanda Leyva, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
- Enma Lopez, Hampton Inn & Suites Indio
- Martha Lucio, Hilton Palm Springs
- Martin Oliveros, La Quinta Resort and Club
- Griselda Perez, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
- Rosa Sanchez, Rancho Relaxo
- Tatiana Schneider, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
- Jennifer Torricelli, Café One Eleven at Agua Caliente Cathedral City
- James Toscano, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
- Ioana Vasile, The Spring Resort & Spa
City of La Quinta
Palm Awards 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.
- Aric Ianni, Boozehounds
- Palm Springs Palm Springs Air Museum
- Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Sean Smith, CV BBQ
- Daniel Spencer, The Spa at Séc-he and Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
San Jacinto Award
Presented to an individual who has worked in hospitality or tourism for less than 5 years, or is under 40 years of age, and has contributed to the promotion of travel, tourism, and hospitality in Greater Palm Springs.
- Nicole Benvenutti COJ Events, Inc.
- Abril Betancourt, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
- Jocelyn Gutierrez, ACME House Company
- Gilbert Lujan, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
- Jose “Chuy” De Jesus, Martin Lulu Catering and Events
- Bianca Nolasco, Empire Polo Club
- Christine Willinsky, FARM, Tac/Quila, Front Porch, and Clandestino
Nathan Kelleher, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Spirit of Tourism Award
This is the highest recognition presented annually to an individual whose dedication and commitment to the local tourism and hospitality industry has had a significant positive impact on the destination’s economy and quality of life.
Tim Leiweke, Oak View Group/Acrisure Arena
Coachella Valley High School Hospitality Academy Scholarship Award
- Christopher Bravo
- Melanie Martinez
- Marifer Felix
- Anlle Murillo
- Mariela Herran
Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation Scholarship Recipients
- George Cabrera
- Sebastian Jaimes-Miranda
- Matthew January
- Itzel Posada
