The State of Tourism Gala
& Hospitality Awards
November 16, 2023
Thank you for attending the 2023 State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards on November 16, 2023!
The State of Tourism is designed to honor and celebrate individuals that are making an impact in our community through the Corpus Christi tourism industry. The State of Tourism Gala celebrates excellence in tourism and hospitality and is held in conjunction with the Visit Corpus Christi Annual Meeting.
Stay tuned for more info on the State of Tourism 2024! View the 2023 photo album here.
WATCH: State of Tourism 2023 Recap
Congratulations to the
2023 Tourism & Hospitality Award Finalists
Sales Person of the Year
Sarah Perez – Lively Beach Resort
Amanda Tijerina – Hilton Garden Inn
Jackie Ray – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Restaurant of the Year
Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
Water Street Oyster Bar
Bellino Ristorante
Chef of the Year
John Sambrano – Brewster Street Icehouse – Southside
Nick Ustruck – American Bank Center
Dean Sprague – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Server of the Year
Leticia Villegas – Portis Kuntry Kitchen
Whitney Hansen – Water Street Oyster Bar
Dorina Perez Smith – Embassy Suites by Hilton - Corpus Christi
Bar of the Year
Old Kress Live
Executive Surf Club
Nueces Whiskey Library
Bartender of the Year
Sky Shook – The Annex
Leonard Araiza – Executive Surf Club
Belia Ortega – Texas State Aquarium and Chuy’s
Large Attraction of the Year
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
Islander Athletics
Texas State Aquarium
Small Attraction of the Year
Blue Shore Pedal Lounge
Harbor Playhouse
Glow Row
Tourism Trailblazer
Starla Shuck – USS Lexington Museum
Leon Burns – Brewster Street Icehouse – Southside
Maggie Freeborn – Corpus Christi Hooks
Front of House
Jericho Dyogi – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Louie Contreras – Water Street Restaurants
Rachell Banda – USS Lexington Museum
Heart of the House
Bryce Balusek – American Bank Center
Judy Martinez – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Amy Goldson – Harbor Playhouse
Corpus Christi Under 35 Tourism Professional of the Year
Tyler Miller – Corpus Christi International Airport
Marisol Ramirez – Durrill Properties
Breanne Beal – Durrill Properties
WATCH: Bob Batterson, USS Lex's 100 Year Old Pearl Harbor Survivor and Volunteer
Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2022
Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2022
Watch