CALTRAVEL AWARDS

Over the years, we had the honor of presenting many outstanding individuals with CalTravel Awards. The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership efforts have significantly impacted the travel and tourism industry in California.

Here’s a recap of past award recipients and the reasons why they’re so deserving of this recognition. We know their stories will inspire you as much as they’ve inspired us!

30 & Under Emerging Leader Award
Recognizes individuals, 30 years old or under, who have contributed through their individual efforts, to the promotion of travel, tourism, and hospitality in California. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated the skills, talents, attitudes and initiative that are the hallmarks of emerging leaders.
Brad Burlingame Award
Recognizes an individual or an organization who has elevated travel and tourism advocacy in California by setting an example of commitment, generosity, and effectiveness.
Note: This award was previously known as the Tourism Advocacy Industry Leader Award
Distinguished Travel Champion
Recognizes an elected or appointed state official who has exhibited outstanding political leadership on an issue or issues of importance to the travel and tourism industry in California.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Champion
Recognizes an individual or organization who, by advocating, educating, developing programs, and/or raising awareness of DEI issues, has strengthened and affected meaningful change to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the travel and tourism industry.
F. Norman Clark Tourism Champion of the Year
The F. Norman Clark Tourism Champion of the Year recognizes excellence in California tourism leadership by a person, organization, or entity, for activities in a particular year or to acknowledge a body of work in tourism. The award recognizes activities which have contributed to building the image of California and for contributing to increasing visitor arrivals to the state.
Great Workplace Award
Recognizes a person or organization that creates a great environment for employees to thrive and grow through mentoring, innovative recruitment or training programs, high quality of life benefits or other ways to make their workplace a great place to work.
Rising Star Award
Recognizes one individual, 39 years old or under, who has contributed through their individual efforts, to the promotion of travel, tourism, and hospitality in California. This exceptional individual has demonstrated the skills, talents, attitudes and initiative that are the hallmarks of a rising star.
Sustainability Advocate Award
Recognizes a person or organization that has successfully reduced waste, improved recycling, or managed travel impacts in a way that inspires others to improve their own practices.

2022 award WINNERS

30 & UNDER EMERGING LEADERS

Iveth Acevedo, Kira Butz, Lauren Bradley, Miranda Caudell, Diana Chemali, Hunter Coughlin, Violetta “Viola” Kelderman, Victor Lozano, Xavier Roque, Jayme Stark, A.J. Rossitto, Brittany Tesmer, Shelbi Walker

2021 AWARD WINNERS

ALL PAST WINNERS

2022 — San Diego Convention Center
2021 — Eileen Richardson, CEO, Downtown Streets Team
2020 — No award presented
2019 — Harry Sidhu, Mayor of Anaheim
2023 — Gary Sherwin, President & CEO, Newport Beach & Company
2022 — Joe Terzi, Former President & CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority
2021 — John Lambeth, Founder & President, Civitas
2020 — No award presented
2019 — Michael Krouse, President & CEO, Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau
2023 — Senator Bill Dodd, California State Senator
2022 — Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor, California
2021 — Dee Dee Myers, Director, GO-Biz
2020 — No award presented
2019 — Tom Umberg, California State Senator
2018 — Toni Atkins
2017 — Lisa Bartlett
2016 — No award presented
2015 — Sam Farr
2014 — Phil Ting
2013 — John Perez
2012 — Jared Huffman
2011 — Fran Pavley
2023 — Visit Greater Palm Springs
2022 — Jerri Harris, Sr. Advertising Sales Specialist, Autoclub of Southern California/AAA Westways
2021 — Sonya Bradley, Chief of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
2023 — Joe D’Alessandro, President & CEO, San Francisco Travel Association
2022 — Marilyn Hannes, Senior Vice President, Strategic Relationships, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
2021 — Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California
2020 — No award presented
2019 — Joe Terzi, President & CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority
2018 — John Poimiroo
2017 — Steve Hammond
2016 — Brad Burlingame
2015 — Cirque du Soleil
2014 — Bob Warren
2013 — Werner Escher
2012 — Jack O’Neill
2011 — Caroline Beteta
2010 — Huell Howser
2009 — Arnold Schwarzenegger
2023 — Travelzoo
2022 — The Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
2021 — Visit Oxnard
2020 — No award presented
2019 — Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau
2023 — Brittney Hendricks, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Visit Oxnard
2022 — Lindsey Stevens, Vice President of Marketing Communications, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
2021 — Derek Kirk, Director of Community Engagement & Advocacy, Visit SLO CAL
2023 — Sonoma County Tourism
2022 — Davin Waite, Executive Chef & Co-Founder, Wrench and Rodent, The Plot, and Shootz Fish and Beer
2021 — Aquarium of the Bay
2020 — No award presented
2019 — Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
2022 — San Francisco Welcome Ambassador Program
2021 — Central Coast Distillery
2020 — No award presented
2019 — Seth Zaharias, Owner, Cliffhanger Guides