Temecula Valley’s growth industry that has more than quadrupled its economic impact in the past decade, tourism, represented by the Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau (TVCVB), held its annual meeting at the City of Temecula Civic Center. In addition to the 2011 TVCVB Year in Review, the TVCVB board of directors announced the winners of the annual Xenia Hospitality Awards.
“The TVCVB’s annual awards recognize the local tourism and hospitality industry, and acknowledge the direct importance of contributions by businesses, organizations, and individuals in helping promote the local economy,” explained Kimberly Adams, TVCVB president and CEO. “Their efforts and activities directly help attract visitors and return visitors, which is a proven, vital part of the local economy.”
Tourism directly generates more than $550 million in local travel spending; directly supports more than 6,000 local jobs, generates $5.1 million in local tax revenues, and $18.7 million in state tax revenues. [Source: Temecula Valley Travel Impacts 2000-2010, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates.]
Recipient of the TOURISM PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Award was Corinna Coram of Crazy for California for her initiating, branding, and managing multiple events that pulled thousands of visitors into the Temecula Valley including 2011’s Reality Rally.
For generating significant mid-week, tourism business, the Pechanga 2011 Summer Concert Series received acknowledgment with the AMBASSADOR AWARD. Direct impact included additional local hotel business, increases in visitors to Old Town and Wine Country, and significant restaurant and retail sales. Also recognized was Pechanga Resort and Casino’s ongoing contribution to tourism and the local economy, and exemplifying a high standard of quality.
Acknowledging the power of the greatest tool for branding and marketing, the SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD went to the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival for bringing awareness to the region and having a positive impact on lodging, dining, retail, transportation, and activities.
Recognized for creating impact and causing the region to shine with prestigious recognition in the Business Insiders’ 2011 Safest Cities in America ranking #2, the Temecula Police Department was the recipient of the BREAK THROUGH AWARD.
The HOSPITALITY AWARD acknowledges an entity demonstrating outstanding hospitality and exhibiting a genuine team spirit in promoting the growth of Temecula Valley travel and tourism. The City of Temecula received the award in recognition of the new Civic Center, conference rooms, outdoor park for events and concerts, and Old Town parking garage.
Also introduced were the year-round SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE program’s 23 award winners and nominees. The program promotes a culture of caring for guests, and personally thanks individual hospitality professionals for their attention to detail and genuine friendly service.
The three primary visitor attractions in the Temecula Valley are Pechanga Resort & Casino, Old Town Temecula, and Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau stimulates tourism and economic activity, and is the region’s official resource for visitors. The bureau is the first in Inland Southern California funded by marketing assessment fees rather than taxpayer money to market the region. The official TVCVB website is VisitTemecula.org.