Tourism Bureau Announces Award Winners

The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the winners of the annual Xenia Hospitality Awards.

Corinna Coram of Crazy for California won the Tourism Professional of the Year Award for her initiating, branding and managing multiple events that pulled thousands of visitors into the Temecula Valley, including 2011’s .

For generating significant mid-week tourism business, the Pechanga 2011 Summer Concert Series received the Ambassador Award. Also recognized was ’s ongoing contribution to tourism and the local economy, and exemplifying a high standard of quality.

Acknowledging the power of the greatest tool for branding and marketing, the Social Media Award went to the for bringing awareness to the region and having a positive impact on lodging, dining, retail, transportation and activities.

Recognized for causing the region to shine with prestigious recognition in the
Business Insiders’ 2011 ranking, the was the recipient of the Break Through Award.

The Hospitality Award acknowledges the for demonstrating outstanding hospitality and exhibiting a genuine team spirit in promoting the growth of Temecula Valley travel and tourism.

The winner was announced during the bureau's annual meeting at the this month.

The awards honor businesses that contribute to the growth of the tourism industry, said Kimberly Adams, the bureau's president and CEO.

“The… annual awards recognize the local tourism and hospitality industry, and acknowledge the direct importance of contributions by businesses, organizations and individuals in helping promote the local economy,” Adams said. “Their efforts and activities directly help attract visitors and return visitors, which is a proven, vital part of the local economy.”

Tourism directly generates more than $550 million in local travel spending, and it directly supports more than 6,000 local jobs, generates $5.1 million in local tax revenues and $18.7 million in state tax revenues, according to a study prepared by Dean Runyan Associates.

-- By Annette Brown, spokesperson for the Convention and Visitors Bureau