One of Temecula's most highly anticipated hospitality industry events of the year, the Xenia Hospitality Awards honor outstanding employees and local businesses that contribute to the growth of tourism in Temecula.
TEMECULA, Calif., May 1, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) recently announced the winners of the 12th annual Xenia Hospitality Awards, honoring outstanding employees and local businesses that contribute to the growth of tourism in Temecula. One of the most highly anticipated hospitality industry events of the year, the Xenia Awards ceremony was held at Pechanga Resort Casino with over 300 guests in attendance including government officials, local businesses, and hospitality workers.
"We're grateful for the commitment of over 7,000 employees in the tourism sector who provide exceptional service every day and help us promote our beautiful destination," said Scott A. Wilson, President/CEO of Visit Temecula Valley.
The awards program is inspired by the Greek word "Xenia," which is defined as the concept of hospitality or generosity shown to those who are far from home. The Xenia Awards include Spotlight on Service, Xenia Hospitality Award, and the Welty Award.
"Tourism is one of Temecula's leading industries, and it's important to honor the outstanding employees and businesses that inspire our guests to want to return," said Michael Feeley, Chairman of the Board, Visit Temecula Valley. "On behalf of the VTV Board, I'd like to congratulate all of the winners."
The Spotlight on Service Award identifies and honors front-line hospitality employees who are "spotted" providing exceptional service to Temecula Valley visitors. Nominations are submitted by Visit Temecula Valley board members.
2022 Spotlight on Service Award Winners
Angela Vredenburg: Goat & Vine Restaurant
Arian Kemp: 1882 cantina at Pechanga Resort Casino
Aspen Snider: Crush & Brew
Brittany Russell: Be Good Restaurant & Experience
Cathy Hits: Wilson Creek Winery
Hanna Mill: Staples 79 South
Jake Cruz: The Customer Service Experts (Promenade Express train)
Jeff Beck: Be Good Restaurant & Experience
Kalie Sauceda: Lazy Dog Café
Lester Sunga: Crush & Brew
Kandi Kramer: Public House
Ramon Ascencio: Journey's End Restaurant at Pechanga Resort Casino
Selena Flint: Small Barn Restaurant
Sharon Bonham: A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
Zachary Laufer: Bolero at Europa
The Xenia Awards are divided into six categories: Social Media, Culinary, Ambassador, Brewery, Hospitality, and Cilurzo Winery of the Year.
2022 Xenia Award Winners
Social Media Award: Temecula Life Magazine
Champion Culinary Award: Matt Steffen of Cork | Fire Kitchen
Ambassador Award: John Kelliher
Golden Tap Brewery of the Year Award: Ironfire Brewing Company
Xenia Hospitality Award: Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
Cilurzo Award for Winery of the Year: Bottaia Winery
2022 Welty Award Winners
The 2022 Welty Award for tourism professional of the year was initially presented last month to John and Kim Kelliher, owners of Grapeline Wine Tours, during the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual Gala. It was highlighted once again during the Xenia Awards program.
More information on the Xenia Awards can be found at: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com/xenia-awards/
About Visit Temecula Valley
Visit Temecula Valley is the region's official destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism. The organization partners with local businesses including wineries, restaurants, breweries, retail and specialty boutiques, hotels, short-term rentals, and more. For more information, go to http://www.visittemeculavalley.com
Media Contact
Norma Marlowe, Visit Temecula Valley, 951-252-2139, [email protected]
SOURCE Visit Temecula Valley

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