Travel Paso announces recipients of hospitality and tourism awards
Photos by Slava Narozhnyi
Inaugural award ceremony held in May
– Travel Paso has announced the winners of the inaugural “Travel Paso Hospitality and Tourism Awards” held at the end of May which is “California Tourism Month,” coinciding with the state’s Visit California initiative to celebrate the impact tourism has on the state’s economy.
Alongside “National Travel & Tourism Week,” the new local Travel Paso initiative honors local businesses and individuals displaying extraordinary leadership in creating an impact on Paso Robles as a tourism destination. The various categories recognized include leadership, teamwork, service, and dedication.
“Our community continues to flourish,” said Travel Paso President and CEO Stacie Jacob. “Tourism develops leaders and recognizes individuals who support the innovative businesses making up our ecosystem. This new program recognizes the incredible local talent right here in the community.”
Stacie Jacob with John Seals
One in five local residents works in a tourism-related field, according to Travel Paso, that’s 22,830 jobs countywide. Travel spending contributes $2.32B to the SLO CAL economy and makes up 10.66 percent of the countywide GDP.
Nominations were called for in January of 2024, and a panel of local tourism experts in the industry was involved in the selection process after nominations closed in March.
“This new program celebrates the importance of the tourism economy and the people who create special memories for our guests.” said Chairman of the Board Alex Villicana, “Hospitality as its finest is a key part of our marketing story. I congratulate this year’s winners.”
The 2024 award recipients are as follows:
- Visitor Experience (Lodging) – Farmhouse Paso
- Visitor Experience (Winery) – John Morris, Tablas Creek Vineyard
- Visitor Experience (Hospitality) – Sensorio
- Visitor Experience (Restaurant) – TIE – Jason Santos, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery and Seferino De La Cruz, The Hatch
John Morris and Ian Consoli of Tablas Creek
Also presented at the awards ceremony were recognitions for three categories of industry leaders: “Emerging Leaders,” “Tourism Champion,” and “Distinguished Leaders.”
Emerging Leader Awards were awarded for unwavering hospitality and for demonstrating the skills, talent, attitude and initiative that are the hallmarks of an emerging leader. Recognized for continually working towards achieving the Travel Paso vision – to see the region as an authentic and welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike. This year’s Emerging Leader Award goes to John Seals, of LXV Wine.
The Tourism Champion was awarded to an individual who stands out in the local tourism industry for being a positive force that sets the bar and represents our region over and beyond. The Tourism Champion is an active tourism partner, who is integrated throughout the community and continually works towards achieving the Travel Paso vision – to see the region as an authentic and welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike. This year’s Tourism Champion is Chanda Brown of Cass Winery.
Stacie Jacob and Noreen Martin-Hulburd
Distinguished Leader Awards are chosen by the Travel Paso Board of Directors and recognized for a lifetime of service in tourism and hospitality, their commitment to the Travel Paso vision – to see the region as an authentic and welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike, leaving a lasting impression on our community. This year’s Distinguished Leader Awards go to:
- Gary Eberle
- Shirley Masia (posthumously)
- Mayor Steve Martin (posthumously)
- Tom Martin (posthumously) and Noreen Martin-Hulburd
Gary Eberle
For more information and background on each of the award categories, visit https://www.travelpaso.com/hospitality-tourism-awards/.
