Attachments
10 May 2025
Go for Gold! Visit Tampa Bay's National Travel and Tourism Lunch Celebrates Hospitality Industry's Midas Touch
More than 500 business and community partners joined Visit Tampa Bay to honor the hospitality industry and the gilded impact of its everyday heroes today during their “Go for Gold” National Travel and Tourism Week Luncheon at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel.
Fifteen dedicated Tampa Bay hospitality professionals were recognized for their golden touch in showcasing the region and creating exceptional visitor experiences, including nine front-line workers and unsung heroes. John Bell, the President and CEO of the Tampa Theatre, was also honored with the “Gonzmart Family Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award” for his unwavering dedication to Tampa Bay's culture, community, and tourism.
The awards presentation was the pinnacle of the annual commemorative event that gracefully commenced with an aureate performance from members of the Tampa City Ballet and Florida Orchestra before Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO, Santiago C. Corrada, took the reins as master of ceremonies.
“Tampa Bay's tourism industry thrives because of the dedicated champions who make every visitor feel welcomed and valued,” said Corrada. “From the friendly faces at our hotels and local attractions to the talented chefs and bartenders crafting unforgettable dining experiences, our region's hospitality shines as a true testament to the passion and care that make Tampa Bay a must-visit destination.”
Besides world-class dancing and music, attendees were treated to a fashion show put on by International Plaza and Bay Street which included the latest styles from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Dick's House of Sport before turning their attention to the main event – honoring local hospitality professionals.
In addition to Bell, other individuals recognized with awards were:
· “Hospitality Hero Award” recipients for embodying hospitality excellence by creating an extraordinary experience for the millions of visitors to Tampa Bay.
o Marcus Duvermon – International Plaza and Bay Street
o Maria Glass – Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown
o Jane McQuinn – Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
o Tim Morrison – The Motor Enclave
o José “Lupe” Patino – Columbia Restaurant
o Anne Preston – Hampton Inn Tampa-International Airport/Westshore
o Holden Rasmussen – JC Newman Cigar Company
o Nick Smith – Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi
o Brenda Whalen – Florida State Fair Authority
· “Talk-Up Tampa Award” recipients for critical contributions in securing impactful events that made a significant economic impact to the region.
o Yolanda Amos, Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. – For the Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated South Atlantic Regional Conference in March.
o Jacques Hakim, President, Federal Bureau of Investigation National Citizens' Academy Alumni Association-Tampa Chapter – For the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Leadership Conference in June.
o Srinivas Guthikonda and Prasanth Pinnameneni, North America Telugu Society – For the North American Telugu Society's upcoming 8th America Telugu Sambaralu in July.
o Honorable Councilman Luis Viera, Tampa City Council – For the 2026 American Gold Star Mothers National Convention.
o Will Suarez, Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc., Ambassador – For the 2028 Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc., International Convention.
Besides individual awards, this is the first year that Visit Tampa Bay is bestowing the “Meeting the Moment Award” to honor organizations by looking beyond the economic impact their meetings and conventions bring to the region and instead celebrating the significant, positive effect their community-focused initiatives have to local communities. Organizations receiving the inaugural “Meeting the Moment Award” for their philanthropic efforts in the community are:
- The Mission Continues
- Heraeus
- Destinations International
- American Planning Association
- AMC Institute
- Southeast Produce Council
- National Association of Free Will Baptists
- National Marine Manufacturers Association
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association
- Florida State Thespians
- Church of the Nazarene
Visit Tampa Bay's “Go for Gold” awards luncheon is one of several events during National Travel and Tourism Week, recognized across the country May 4-10. The festivities started early in the Tampa Bay region with the sixth annual “Tee Off Fore Tourism” Golf Tournament April 11 at Saddlebrook Resort with proceeds going towards scholarships in the local community.
More recently, more than 100 partners joined Visit Tampa Bay team members on May 6 for the sixth straight year of volunteering at Feeding Tampa Bay. The team sorted more than 10,500 meals for those in need to combat hunger and food insecurity in local communities.
This signature “Tourism Gives Back” event is one example of the huge effect the Tampa Bay hospitality industry, including Visit Tampa Bay and its more than 900 partners, has locally. In 2024, the hospitality industry created more than 61,000 jobs, generated nearly $9.4 billion in economic impact, and raised more than $680 million in state and local taxes in Hillsborough County.
Visit Tampa Bay's National Travel and Tourism Luncheon was made possible thanks to generous sponsorships from our partners including International Plaza and Bay Street, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Tampa Bay Business and Wealth, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Florida Aquarium, 1905 Family of Restaurants, Tampa International Airport, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
VIDEO
Go for Gold!!!
Nine front-line, unsung hospitality workers were recognized as Tampa Bay Hospitality Heroes at the Visit Tampa Bay's “Go For Gold” National Travel and Tourism Awards Luncheon on May 9. These award recipients embody hospitality excellence by creating an extraordinary experience for the millions of visitors to Tampa Bay.
About Visit Tampa Bay
The hip, urban heart of Florida's Gulf Coast beats boldly in Tampa Bay, where active adventures, sky-high coasters, exotic wildlife, authentic culture, and award-winning, world-class cuisine await you. As a not-for-profit, private 501(c)(6) corporation accredited by Destinations International's Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we collaborate with hundreds of partners to share Tampa Bay's story with the world. Treasure awaits.
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For additional information, contact:
Curt Kellogg
Director of Public Relations
(813) 218-3456/Cell: (580) 504-2052
