2025 WINNERS

The State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards is Corpus Christi’s premier evening dedicated to honoring the people and partners who make our tourism and hospitality industry thrive. Held at the Hilliard Convention Center, this elegant event brings together industry leaders, changemakers, and community champions for an unforgettable night of recognition, connection, and celebration.

Congratulations the 2025 Winners of the State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards!

Lifetime
Achievement Award

Brad Lomax

Leadership Award

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Leadership Award

Cheryl Votzmeyer-Rios

Leadership Award

Durrill Properties

Business Awards

Culinary Experience
of the Year

Bellino Ristorante

Event
of the Year

First Friday ArtWalk

Attraction
of the Year

USS Lexington Museum

Signature Experience
of the Year

STEM Day by the Bay
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

Bar
of the Year

Rockit's Whiskey Bar & Saloon

Individual Awards

Destination Salesperson
of the Year

Sarah Frakes
Lively Beach Resort

Service Professional
of the Year

Anna Vargas
Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Housekeeper
of the Year

Breanna Borrego
Lively Beach Resort

Mixologist
of the Year

Thomas J. Salazar
Republic of Texas

Chef
of the Year

Phoebe Trotter
Bellino Ristorante

Tourism Advocate
of the Year

Zack Jurasek
Glow Row

Rising
Tourism Star

Johnathan Martinez
Glow Row

Sports Partner
of the Year

George Manias
Corpus Christi IceRays

Film Partner
of the Year

Christine Longoria
Independent Actor and Writer

Music Partner
of the Year

Freddie Martinez
Freddie Records