Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala Draws Record Crowd and Honors Richard R. Oliphant

CV Strategies was proud to sponsor the 5th annual Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala hosted by Visit Greater Palm Springs. The event drew just over 1,000 guests to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa on Thursday evening, its largest turnout yet, to celebrate the people behind the Coachella Valley’s visitor experience.

The evening’s highest honor, the Spirit of Tourism Award, posthumously recognized Richard R. “Dick” Oliphant, a civic leader and developer who helped shape Greater Palm Springs into the tourism destination it is today. Oliphant was a founding member of the organization that became Visit Greater Palm Springs.

Nearly 250 nominations were submitted this year for individuals and organizations across the valley’s hospitality industry, from hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, and spas to attractions, event venues, and more. Their work shapes how visitors experience the Coachella Valley, and the night was a chance to put that work in the spotlight.

Tourism is a major part of the valley’s economic success. The hospitality industry supports more than 52,000 jobs across the Coachella Valley, and the room last night reflected how many people and businesses that number represents.

The evening also looked to the industry’s future. The TEAM GPS Foundation awarded $50,000 in scholarships to 16 local students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism, and proceeds from the event support the foundation’s scholarship, mentorship, and career development programs.

We are grateful to Visit Greater Palm Springs for bringing the community together, and congratulations to every nominee, honoree, and scholarship recipient.