Cast Your Vote
The Top 3 Finalists for each category of the 2026 State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards presented by American Bank/Prosperity Bank have been announced, and now it’s your turn to help decide the winners!
Public voting is open from Thursday, October 1 through Friday, October 31, 2026. Your vote will recognize and celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations that make Corpus Christi’s tourism and hospitality industry shine.
Discover the finalists in each category and make your selection below!
Business Award Categories
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
The Exchange
Chef's Dinner at Elizabeth's
Bellino Ristorante Italiano
The “Culinary Experience of the Year” award honors a restaurant, food truck or culinary team that showcases the flavors, creativity, and hospitality that define Corpus Christi’s vibrant food scene. This award recognizes those who went above and beyond to craft a memorable dining experience, whether through innovative menus, exceptional service, or unique storytelling through cuisine.
EVENT
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Spring Break on the Coast
Stage Door Canteen
Texas Oyster Roundup
The “Event of the Year” award honors a local event—large or small—that creates an exceptional attendee experience and helps showcase Corpus Christi as a culturally rich and welcoming destination. This award recognizes excellence in planning, community engagement, and overall impact—bringing people together and highlighting the spirit and culture of the Gulf Coast Capital.
ATTRACTION
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History
USS Lexington Museum
Art Museum of South Texas
The “Attraction of the Year” award celebrates a standout attraction that helps make Corpus Christi truly unforgettable. This award honors a brick-and-mortar attraction—such as a museum, entertainment venue, cultural site, or family-friendly activity—that goes above and beyond to engage guests, provide outstanding service, and create meaningful experiences. The recipient plays a key role in welcoming both locals and visitors, reflecting the spirit, culture, and vibrancy of the Gulf Coast Capital.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Spirits of the West Dinner
Vintage Air Tours
Rachel & Rylie
The “Signature Experience of the Year” award honors a unique year round tour, pop-up activity, or micro-experience that left a lasting impression on both visitors and locals. This award celebrates an experience that went above and beyond through compelling storytelling, warm hospitality, and meaningful community engagement. The recipient helps showcase what makes Corpus Christi special by offering creative, memorable, and authentic moments that highlight the Gulf Coast Capital’s culture and charm.
BAR
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Nueces Whiskey Library
The Sandbox Bar
Marcel's on the Grove
The “Bar of the Year” award recognizes a bar, lounge, or cocktail concept that excels in service, atmosphere, and beverage innovation. This award honors an establishment that went above and beyond to create a welcoming and memorable experience for both locals and visitors. The recipient consistently delivers high-quality drinks, exceptional hospitality, and a sense of place that reflects the energy, creativity, and spirit of the Gulf Coast Capital.
Individual Award Categories
DESTINATION SALESPERSON
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Amanda Horne - Art Museum of South Texas
Brittney Weise - Lively Beach Resort
Hannah Ross - Mirador Marketing
The “Destination Salesperson of the Year” award honors a sales professional who has shown exceptional success in promoting Corpus Christi as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sports, or leisure group travel. By partnering with the Visit Corpus Christi Sales Team to help secure business, this individual consistently goes above and beyond to foster relationships, generate leads, and drive meaningful economic impact through tourism. Their strategic mindset, collaborative spirit, and passion for the Gulf Coast Capital make them an invaluable ambassador for the destination.
SERVICE PROFESSIONAL
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Leon Burns - Brewster Street Icehouse Southside
Starla Shuck - USS Lexington Museum
Dorina Perez - Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi
The “Service Professional of the Year” award honors an outstanding individual in a guest-facing or event service role who exemplifies excellence, professionalism, and hospitality. Whether working the front desk at a hotel, serving in a restaurant, assisting at a guest relations desk, or supporting on-site at events, this person consistently goes above and beyond to create exceptional experiences and ensure visitor satisfaction. Their dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to service make them a standout in the Gulf Coast Capital’s tourism and hospitality industry.
HOUSEKEEPER
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Melanie Rodriguez - Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Monica Martinez - Lively Beach Resort
Ray Mendez - Texas State Aquarium
The “Housekeeper of the Year” award honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in one of the most essential roles in the tourism industry. This award recognizes a housekeeping professional who goes above and beyond their duties—whether in hotels, event venues, or other visitor-focused locations—consistently delivering exceptional service and cleanliness. Their work plays a key role in exceeding guest expectations and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
MIXOLOGIST
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Donnie Stephens -Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Michael Garcia - Water Street Oyster Bar
Joe Culler - Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi
The “Mixologist of the Year” award honors a skilled bar professional whose creativity, hospitality, and expertise have elevated the beverage experience in Corpus Christi. This award recognizes an individual—whether crafting signature cocktails, pouring with care, or creating a welcoming atmosphere—who consistently delivers quality, connection, and community. Their dedication helps set new standards of excellence in the Gulf Coast Capital’s bar and hospitality scene.
CHEF
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Franceso Inguaggiato - Don Gusto Hospitality
Calista Smith - Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi
Blake Bond - Water Street Oyster Bar
The “Chef of the Year” award honors a talented culinary artist whose creativity, skill, and innovation have delighted diners and elevated the culinary experience in Corpus Christi. This award recognizes an individual who showcases exceptional expertise and a passion for pushing culinary boundaries that set new standards for excellence in the local food scene.
TOURISM ADVOCATE
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Monica Ellison - 20/20 Vintage
Durrill Properties
Rachel Torres - Rachel & Rylie
The “Tourism Advocate of the Year” award recognizes an individual who passionately supports and promotes tourism—Corpus Christi’s second-largest industry. This person goes above and beyond to raise awareness, build community partnerships, and strengthen the local tourism industry, making a meaningful impact on both visitors and residents.
RISING
TOURISM STAR
FINALISTS
Chloe Hill - Concrete Street Amphitheater
Alex Davied - Water Street Restaurants
Shelby Forward - Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
The “Rising Tourism Star” award honors an emerging professional with less than five years of experience who is already making a meaningful impact in our hospitality and tourism industry. This individual exemplifies the passion, professionalism, and strategic thinking that define the next generation of industry leaders. Through creativity, innovation, and a commitment to community, the recipient stands out as a well-rounded, driven team player with the potential to shape the future of tourism in the Gulf Coast Capital and beyond.
SPORTS PARTNER
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
United Chamber of Commerce
VFit Productions
Buc Days Rodeo
The “Sports Partner of the Year” award recognizes an individual—such as an event organizer, venue team member, or tournament director—who has made a meaningful impact on sports tourism in Corpus Christi. This award honors someone who goes above and beyond to attract, host, advocate for, and support sporting events in the Gulf Coast Capital. The recipient demonstrates excellence in hospitality, strategic thinking, community engagement, and contributing to regional growth—helping position Corpus Christi as a premier destination for athletes, fans, and sports enthusiasts.
FILM PARTNER
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Gabriel Duran - Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Heidi Hovda - CC7D
Andres Hernandez - El Roi Films
The “Film Partner of the Year” award honors an individual—whether a filmmaker, director, actor, production crew member, location partner, or community supporter—who has played a key role in advancing Corpus Christi’s presence in the film and media industry. This award recognizes someone who goes above and beyond in showcasing the region through visual storytelling, collaboration, and professionalism. The recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting film projects that capture the beauty, versatility, and character of the Gulf Coast Capital, helping to grow its reputation as a film-friendly destination.
MUSIC PARTNER
OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
Marisol Ramirez - Concrete Street/Brewster Street
Avery Durrill-Reny - Brewster Street/Concrete Street
Manny Morales - Water Street
The “Music Partner of the Year” award honors an individual—whether a musician, venue team member, or behind-the-scenes contributor—who has made a meaningful impact on Corpus Christi’s music scene. This person goes above and beyond to create innovative live music experiences that engage audiences, uplift local talent, and build community. Their passion and creativity help strengthen the city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination and reflect the energy and diversity of the Gulf Coast Capital.
