Dear Community Partners and Stakeholders,
On behalf of the incredible Visit Corpus Christi team, thank you for joining us at our annual celebration of the tourism and hospitality industries. Tonight, we hope you leave feeling inspired and energized by the limitless possibilities for the future of tourism in the Gulf Coast Capital.
Corpus Christi is a one-of-a-kind destination, made exceptional by the vibrant and dedicated people who call it home. Our team is committed to sharing the magic of this city with the world, and we know that together—with your support—we can continue to elevate our community. Each of you plays a vital role in this journey. Whether it’s sharing our story on social media, volunteering your time, or advocating for our industry, your contributions make a meaningful impact. We encourage you to find your own unique way to show your love for Corpus Christi and help us shine.
Thank you for being part of tonight’s celebration and for your ongoing commitment to our mission. We look forward to many more moments of collaboration, growth, and celebration as Corpus Christi continues to evolve and thrive as a premier destination.
Meredith Darden Interim President & CEO
Visit Corpus Christi
About the State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards
The State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards is a signature event that celebrates excellence in hospitality by honoring individuals who make an impact in the community through the Corpus Christi tourism industry. Held in conjunction with Visit Corpus Christi’s Annual Presentation, this event welcomes the entire community to honor and support the professionals that keep the tourism industry thriving.
EVENT PROGRAM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM SOCIAL HOUR
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM DINNER
7:45 PM - 8:20 PM VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI ANNUAL MEETING
8:20 PM - 8:30 PM INTERMISSION
8:30 PM- 9:30 PM HOSPITALITY AWARDS
DINNER MENU
WEDGE SALAD (GF)
BABY ICEBERG LETTUCE | CHERRY TOMATO | RED GRAPE | BACON | LEMON VINAIGRETTE
CHOICE OF BLEU CHEESE DRESSING OR RANCH DRESSING
CHICKEN COQ AU VIN (GF)
AIRLINE CHICKEN BREAST | ROSEMARY ROAST FINGERLING POTATOES | WINTER SQUASH | COQ AU VIN SAUCE
SPAGHETTI SQUASH (V)
PLUM TOMATO | FRESH BASIL | GRILLED ASPARAGUS | ITALIAN PARSLEY
DESSERT
CHOICE OF PETITE SWEETS
Thank you to OVG Hospitality for the outstanding meal! Your attention to detail and passion for excellence made the dining experience truly memorable. We appreciate the hard work that went into every dish—thank you for making the event so special!
Silent Auction SCAN HERE TO REGISTER TO BID
Please follow prompts to set up your bidder profile. Remember to keep an eye on your email and text (SMS) for notifications if you are outbid, the highest bidder, or if you won your item!
BIDDING CLOSES AT 8:30 PM SHARP! BE SURE TO PLACE YOUR FINAL BIDS BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT. DON’T MISS OUT!
About the Hospitality Awards
The Hospitality Awards presented at the State of Tourism Gala honor the exceptional individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted the tourism and hospitality industry. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of those who exemplify excellence in service, innovation, and community engagement. These awards recognize the best in hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tourism professionals who go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for visitors. Come together with industry leaders to applaud their dedication and hard work and be inspired by the stories of excellence that define our vibrant tourism landscape!
PAST HONOREES
VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2022
CAPT. BOB BATTERSON, PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR, VETERAN, AND VOLUNTEER ABOARD THE USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM
VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2023
STATE REPRESENTATIVE TODD HUNTER
VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2022
NATHAN BITZ, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF AERODROME DISTILLERY
WATER STREET RESTAURANTS
THE BEND MAGAZINE
VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2023
BRADY BALLARD
CASEY LAIN
LIVELY BEACH RESORT
2024 PATH Scholarship
The Professions Across Tourism and Hospitality (PATH) program supports dynamic careers in tourism and hospitality. Each year, the PATH scholarship is awarded at the State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards to a Del Mar College student excelling in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or Baking and Pastry. Del Mar’s Hospitality Management Program offers a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree, combining hands-on experience with industry-focused education to prepare students for success in lodging, food service, and tourism.
MEET ASHLEY HERRERA
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Ashley Herrera’s journey began at the young age of 14, working alongside her mom at a snack bar in a bingo hall. Immersed in the fast-paced environment, she developed a love for the chaos, problemsolving, and connection with people that define the industry.
Inspired by her late mother’s unwavering support and her grandmother’s resilience and work ethic, Ashley embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Her commitment to learning every aspect of her roles has made her an invaluable leader, driven by a deep appreciation for teamwork and excellence.
After graduation, Ashley aspires to pursue a career as a managing operator of a top-tier restaurant in Corpus Christi combining her passion for hospitality with her expertise in leadership. For Ashley, the hospitality industry isn’t just a career—it’s her calling.
2024 Hospitality Awards
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AWARD FINALISTS!
CULINARY EXPERIENCE/RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
FULL SEND BBQ GALLERY 41
REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR
CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM
ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS
EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
SNORKEL WITH THE SHARKS AT THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM GLOW IN THE DARK KAYAKING AT GLOW ROW
BAYWATCH TOURS CORPUS CHRISTI
LODGING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
PADRE ESCAPES
LIVELY BEACH RESORT
OMNI CORPUS CHRISTI HOTEL
BAR OF THE YEAR
EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB THE ANNEX THE GOLDFISH
HOUSEKEEPER OF THE YEAR
DINCY HALLICK, SEASCAPE PROPERTIES
VANESSA MORALES, AMERICAN BANK CENTER
ASHLEY GONZALEZ, LIVELY BEACH RESORT
GUEST SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
MARIA GONZALES, HOME 2 SUITES
JANET MELENDREZ, HOME SUITES SOUTHEAST
STONE GARCIA, OMNI CORPUS CHRISTI HOTEL
FRONT DESK AGENT OF THE YEAR
KRYSTAL GRECCO, MOTEL 6 – STUDIO 6
MICHELLE RAMOS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS BEACH AREA
AMANDA VELA, EMBASSY SUITES
TOURISM SALES PERSON OF THE YEAR
TIFFANY EDWARDS, EMBASSY SUITES
JULIE ZAMORA, STAYBRIDGE SUITES CORPUS CHRISTI
MELANIE GRANADO, OVG AT AMERICAN BANK CENTER
CHEF OF THE YEAR
FRANCESCO INGUATTIATO, BELLINO
NATALIE TREVINO, THE ROUGHIAN
CHEF ZELINA, THE GALLEY BISTRO
SERVER OF THE YEAR
JERRY OBREGON, GALLERY 41
FRANCISCA SALINAS, EL CAMINO
MIXOLOGIST OF THE YEAR
MICHAEL GREEN, THE POST AT LAMAR PARK KATIE BRAND, EL CAMINO
MICHAEL CANTU, ROCKIT’S WHISKEY BAR
TOURISM CHAMPION
MARISOL ROSALES, LIVELY BEACH RESORT
RENE TREVINO, ENJOY CORPUS CHRISTI TOURS
KEAGAN WOOD, GLOW ROW
HEART OF THE HOUSE
ERIN LONGORIA, TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
JUSTIN HUERTA, GALLERY 41
VALERIE GONZALEZ, USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM
UNDER 35 TOURISM PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
MATTHEW STROUD, OMNI CORPUS CHRISTI HOTEL
KYRA SULLENGER, NUECES BREWING COMPANY
AMY AVALOS, BEST WESTERN PLUS EXECUTIVE RESIDENCY
EVENT SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
LEANA LOPEZ, LA DE DA EVENTS
EMILY MORIN, BREWSTER STREET ICEHOUSE
SERGIO ESPINOSA, MANSION ROYALE
Awards of Excellence
Tonight, we honor the individuals and local businesses that have played a vital role in the success of our tourism industry over the past year. We’re excited to present three awards this evening in recognition of their contributions.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
DEL MAR HOSPITALITY PROGRAM
Del Mar College’s Hospitality Management Program prepares skilled professionals for Corpus Christi’s growing tourism and hospitality sectors. Students gain hands-on experience, industry-focused education, and valuable leadership skills, enhancing the city’s visitor economy and elevating its appeal as a premier travel destination.
BUCCANEER COMMISSION
The Buccaneer Commission, established in 1938, champions tradition and community pride in the Coastal Bend through the vibrant Buc Days festival, the largest and longest-running pirate festival in South Texas. This exciting event features the Corpus Christi Rodeo, showcasing thrilling competitions like bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Velocity Tour. The Commission also organizes the Buccaneer Days Coronation, presented by Las Doñas de la Corte, which pays homage to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand’s 16th-century Spanish court and Alonso De Pineda, discoverer of Corpus Christi Bay. Additionally, the Commission hosts various community events throughout the year, such as golf tournaments and clay shoots. With a commitment to education, the Buccaneer Commission has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships and grants to local students, investing in the future while celebrating the region’s cultural legacy.
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
KEVIN SMITH, CCIA
Kevin Smith plays a vital role in enhancing Corpus Christi International Airport’s operations and global reputation, ensuring top-tier service and safety. His leadership secured Aerus Airlines, restoring CCIA’s international status, significantly expanding travel options, boosting tourism, business, and the economy.
GABRIEL DURAN
Gabriel Duran, Associate Professor of Media Production at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and a member of the Corpus Christi Film Advisory Council, plays a key role in elevating the city’s creative scene. Through academia and the council, he fosters talent and opportunities, positioning Corpus Christi as a vibrant hub for film and the arts.
AfterParty JOIN US FOR THE
HOSTED BY
WITH HEARTFELT APPRECIATION, WE THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS WORKED DILIGENTLY TO WELCOME VISITORS AND MAKE THEIR STAY UNFORGETTABLE. YOUR PASSION, DEDICATION, AND HARD WORK HAVE NOT GONE UNMATCHED. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE TRUE CHAMPIONS OF OUR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.
Thank You
TO OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS
ADDITIONAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
WATER STREET LTD, THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY MEDIA, GLOWROW, ZJZ HOSPITALITY, DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 20/20 VINTAGE, DIAMOND POINT CATERING/GALLERY 41, COCA-COLA SOUTHWEST BEVERAGES, PADRE ISLAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, DOUBLETREE, BUCCANEER COMMISSION, LIVELY BEACH RESORT, UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SEASCAPE PROPERTIES, CFO BY DESIGN, ROLAND BARRERA INSURANCE, JANE DARE HAAS, THE JOHNSON FAMILY, SINTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS, CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY, DISTANCE BROTHERS TRANSPORTATION, FULL SEND BBQ, SEW BONITA, PROSPERITY BANK, HOUSE OF ROCK, THE ANNEX, TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION, PADRE ESCAPES, BAYWATCH TOURS