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With record-breaking attendance of over 400 people, Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) today announced the winners of the 14th Annual Xenia Hospitality Awards, which recognize and honor outstanding tourism-related individuals and businesses. Inspired by the Greek word “Xenia,” which is defined as the concept of hospitality or generosity shown to those who are far from home, the awards were presented at Pechanga Resort Casino.
Tourism plays a significant role in Temecula Valley. Travel-related hospitality jobs employ nearly 10,000 people, and recent data shows that the area attracts nearly 3.5 million annual visitors. Travel spending from outside visitors goes into the City of Temecula’s general fund and is used to enhance city residents’ quality of life including road improvements, public safety, and beautification.
"The Xenia Awards are all about celebrating those who go the extra mile to create amazing, unforgettable experiences for our visitors," said Scott A. Wilson, CEO and President of Visit Temecula Valley. "Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their incredible work – you’re all rock stars and you do so much to make Temecula a premiere travel destination.”
The Xenia Awards were presented in 12 categories:
- Ambassador Award
- Champion Culinary Award
- Cilurzo Winery of the Year Award
- Dining Excellence Award
- Golden Tap Brewery of the Year Award
- Hospitality Award
- Innkeeper’s Choice Award
- Outdoor Adventure Pioneer Award
- Social Media Award
- Spotlight on Service Award
- Service Star of Hospitality Award
- Welty Award
Arguably the most impactful individual award, the Spotlight on Service recognition, identifies and honors front-line hospitality workers “spotted” in the community providing exceptional service to a guest. Nominations are submitted by members of the Visit Temecula Valley Hospitality Committee.
2024 Xenia Spotlight on Service Award Recipients
Abraham Marquez, Bolero at Europa Village
Anthony Rodgers, The Brunch House Temecula
Annie Diehl, E.A.T. Marketplace
Armando Valencia, Brew Boyz Tacos
Christy Johnson, Great Oak Insurance Solutions
Danielle Powell, Peltzer Farm & Winery
George Atkinson, Stryder Transportation
Hunter Johnson, Somerset Vineyard & Winery
Jim Jensen, Falkner Winery
Julie Ngo, State Farm
Karina Quiroz, Embassy Suites by Hilton Temecula Valley Wine Country
Kayli Guadalupe, Uncle Bob's
Keith Greene, Old Town Tire & Service
Lorenzo Fulwider, Stryder Transportation
Luis Martinez, Gourmet Italia
Melody Ruiz, Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant
Natalie Lee, Luke’s On Front
Rebecca Farnbach, Temecula Valley Historical Society
Roberto Sanchez, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Ryan Latta, Wiens Cellars
Sandra Crayton, Masia de la Vinya Winery
Tina Delgado, Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences
Valery Navarro, Devilicious Eatery
Wendy Wells, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Each year, one outstanding Spotlight on Service Award recipient is singled out for consistently exceeding expectations and is presented with the Service Star of Hospitality Award. This year, the winner was Tina Delgado of Destination Temecula Wine Tours and Experiences.
Additional Xenia Hospitality Award winners are as follows:
2024 Xenia Award Winners by Category
Ambassador Award: Walter Carter, Danza del Sol Winery
Champion Culinary Award: Christopher Gimeno, Corbeaux Wine & Tea House
Cilurzo Award for Winery of the Year: Altisima Winery
Dining Excellence Award: Gourmet Italia
Golden Tap Award: The Distillery at Oak Mountain Winery
Hospitality Award: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
Innkeeper’s Choice Award: Temecula Creek Inn
Outdoor Adventure Pioneer Award: A Grape Escape Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Social Media Award: 1909
2024 Xenia Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year
The 2024 Welty Award for tourism professional of the year was presented to Ken Smith, owner of Galway Downs, Danza del Sol Winery, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Cross Creek Golf Club, and Native Falls. This award is presented to someone who is innovative, creative, inspiring, and maintains a strong commitment to tourism in the Temecula Valley.
More information on Temecula Valley Xenia Hospitality Awards can be found here.
About Visit Temecula Valley
Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(6) destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism-related businesses including wineries, restaurants, breweries, retail and specialty boutiques, hotels, and more. Temecula Valley is a popular destination that includes Southern California Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. In 2019, Wine Enthusiast named Temecula Valley one of the world’s 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations. For more information go to www.visittemeculavalley.com
