Accepting the first HOSPiS awards May 9, 2017, were (from left) sales manager Anna Jones, Director of Sales Jennifer Vela, and sales representative Julie Gonzales for the Texas State Aquarium. Visit Corpus Christi will hold its now-annual HOSPiS awards gala on April 29. Deadline to nominate for the award is March 15. Courtesy photo
The past 12 months have been a tough year for the tourism industry, making the HOSPiS in Corpus Christi even more relevant. Visit Corpus Christi has opened up nominations for individuals and businesses making an impact in the tourism and meeting industries. Submission deadline is March 15.
Winners will be announced at The HOSPiS Gala and award ceremony on April 29 at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, which this year will be a hybrid event. Celebrations begin with a virtual Visit Corpus Christi annual meeting followed by an in-person dinner and awards presentation.
The first HOSPis, which is short for hospitality, were held in 2017.
“In this exceptionally challenging year, we are more excited than ever to recognize and support those who work hard every day to make our city exceptional,” said Erica Bhakta, executive vice president of Visit Corpus Christi. “We invite our community to join us in shining a light on the hardworking professionals that keep the hospitality and tourism industries vibrant and thriving in our community.”
A committee of industry leaders will score nominations with the top five-highest scores in each category selected for nomination. This year’s categories include:
HOUSi – Housekeeper of the Year Award
Those who go above and beyond their housekeeping duties and consistently exceed guest experience expectations by providing exceptional service and cleanliness.
HOMi – Hometown Hero
Team player who exudes positivity and passionately creates momentum to drive community success and embodies the true spirit of hospitality.
FRIENDLi – Tourism Extraordinaire
Creates unforgettable experiences for guests and has an exceptional dedication to teamwork.
FOODi – Restaurant
Individual owner, manager, or restaurant that represents the community through outstanding hospitality and customer service by delivering consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere, and service.
BOOZi – Bar/Bartender
Individual owner, manager, or bar that delivers consistent quality and excellence in beverages, atmosphere, and service by representing the community they serve through outstanding hospitality and customer service.
COMFi – Hotel
Hotels that consistently exceed their goals in both revenue and customer service or how they changed a procedure for the betterment of the hotel, its guests, and employees.
HATTi – Attraction
The attraction that has overcome an obstacle, changed a procedure, or created a unique experience to increase visibility and foot traffic.
SPARKi
Individuals under the age of 35 who show promising leadership and vision in the Corpus Christi tourism industry.
HEARTi Heart of House
Heart of House Employee of the Year awarded in each category of hotel, restaurant, and attraction, recognizing excellence in back-of-house service employees who engage indirectly with the public, customers, and visitors by providing services that are experienced but not necessarily seen.
HAPPi Front of House
Front of House Employee of the Year awarded in each category of hotel, restaurant, and attraction, recognizing excellence in front of house service employees who engage directly with the public, customers, and tourists.
The deadline for nominations is March 15. Go to the Visit Corpus Christi HOSPiS webpage to submit your nominations online.
