The best in the Corpus Christi hospitality industry were recognized this month for making a significant impact in the industry that drives and thrives on tourism. Hosted by the Greater Corpus Christi Hospitality Association, the HOSPiS celebrated its award winners with a dinner May 8.
The 2018 winners announced by category were:
• Merry Leonard, Association of Water Board Directors, The HOTTi. This award goes to an industry professional or group that continually brings business to Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend and directly generates economic impact through the hotel occupancy tax.
• Barefoot Mardi Gras, The GUTSi. Given to the individual or group that has transformed the tourism market in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend by attracting new visitors to the area. Also nominated for this award were Dia de los Muertos Street Festival, the “Los Tejanos” exhibit at the Art Museum of South Texas, Outlets of Corpus Christi Bay, and El Dusty and Tropicoso.
• Barbara Szczerbinska, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, received The BESTi as a non-industry advocate and champion for the tourism industry in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.
• Roshan Bhakta, general manager/owner of Candlewood Suites Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, The SPARKi. This award recognizes an individual under the age of 35 who shows promising leadership and vision in the Corpus Christi tourism industry. 
Heart of House Employee of the Year awards are given in each of several categories, including Hotel, Restaurant, and Attraction. The award recognizes excellence by back-of-house service employees who engage indirectly with the public, customers, and tourists by providing services that are experienced but not necessarily seen.
Winners are:
• Maria Avalos, head housekeeper at Hampton Inn Northwest, Hotel category;
• Deborah Edwards, education reservationist at Texas State Aquarium, Attractions;  
• and Stephen Abrego, breakfast attendee at Embassy Hilton by Hilton, Restaurants;
Face-of-House Employee of the Year awards are given in each of the same categories to recognize excellence by front-of-house service employees who engage directly with the public, customers, and tourists.
Winners for 2018 are:  
• Ian Hughes, general manager at Main Stay Fairfield Ingleside and Aransas Pass, Hotel;
• Jennifer Vela, director of sales at Texas State Aquarium, Attractions;
 • Conchita Patuel, chef at Coastline Bistro, Restaurants. 
AEP Texas received The CHERRi Award, a special award presented to an industry professional or group that has performed a remarkable and noteworthy achievement for the tourism industry.
For more information about The HOSPiS, visit thehospis.com.