A variety of categories are recognized, including leadership, teamwork, service and dedication.
PASO ROBLES — Travel Paso announced the winners of its first-ever Travel Paso Hospitality & Tourism Awards last week during California Tourism Month, coinciding with the state’s Visit California initiative honoring the impact tourism has on the state’s economy. Alongside National Travel & Tourism Week, the new local Travel Paso initiative recognizes local businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership that has had a significant impact on Paso Robles as a tourism destination. The various categories that will be recognized include leadership, teamwork, service and dedication.
“Our community continues to thrive. Tourism develops leaders and recognizes individuals who support the innovative businesses that make up our ecosystem, and this new program truly recognizes the incredible local talent right here in our community,” said Stacey Jacob, president and CEO of Travel Paso.
Tourism is important in Paso Robles in terms of jobs, economic impact and quality of life. One in five local residents works in a tourism-related field, with 22,830 jobs countywide. Travel spending contributes $2.32 billion to the SLO CAL economy and represents 10.66% of the county’s GDP.
Nominations for candidates were called for in January and closed in March, after which a committee of local tourism industry experts participated in the selection process.
“This new program recognizes the importance of the tourism economy and the people who create special memories for our guests,” said Alex Villicana, chairman of the board of directors. “Excellent hospitality is a key part of our marketing story, and we congratulate this year’s winners.”
The 2024 Travel Paso Hospitality & Tourism Award winners were awarded for their unwavering hospitality and commitment to creating guest experiences that exceed expectations, and for working towards achieving Travel Paso’s vision: “Seeing the region as an authentic and welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike.” The 2024 winners are:
Visitor Experience (Lodging) – Farmhouse Paso Visitor Experience (Winery) – John Morris, Tablas Creek Vineyards Visitor Experience (Hospitality) – Sensorio Visitor Experience (Restaurant) Tie – Jason Santos, Justin Vineyards & Winery, Ceferino de la Cruz, The Hatch
The ceremony also recognised three categories of industry leaders: “Emerging Leaders”, “Tourism Champions” and “Eminent Leaders”.
The three were recognized for their continued work toward achieving Travel Paso’s vision “to see the region as a place of authentic and welcoming experiences for visitors and residents alike.”
The Emerging Leader Award was presented for unwavering hospitality and demonstrating the skills, talents, attitudes and initiative that characterize an emerging leader.
The Tourism Champion award is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves within their local tourism industry, set standards and demonstrated a positive force for representation in their region. Tourism Champions are active tourism partners integrated into the whole community.
Chanda Brown, Cass Winery
The Outstanding Leader Award is selected by Travel Paso’s Board of Directors and recognizes a lifetime of contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry.
Gary Eberle, Shirley Macia (posthumous), Mayor Steve Martin (posthumous), Tom Martin (posthumous), Noreen Martin-Halberd
For more details and background on each award category, visit travelpaso.com/hospitality-tourism-awards/.
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