Visit Corpus Christi

Help Choose the 2026 State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards Winners

Do you know a person, business, or organization making an impact across tourism and hospitality? This is an opportunity to recognize the people and places helping Corpus Christi move forward.

2026 Finalists and Public Voting

The Top 3 Finalists for every category in the 2026 State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards presented by American Bank/Prosperity Bank have been announced. Public voting will determine the winners.

Voting is open from Thursday, October 1 through Friday, October 31, 2026. Each vote celebrates the people, businesses, and organizations that help Corpus Christi’s tourism and hospitality industry shine.

Business Award Categories

Culinary Experience of the Year

Finalists

This award recognizes a restaurant, food truck, or culinary team that brings together the flavors, imagination, and hospitality at the heart of Corpus Christi’s food scene. Honorees create memorable meals through inventive menus, remarkable service, and distinctive culinary storytelling.

Event of the Year

Finalists

The Event of the Year distinction celebrates a local gathering of any size that delivers an outstanding attendee experience while presenting Corpus Christi as a welcoming, culturally rich destination. The award highlights thoughtful planning, community involvement, and lasting impact, along with events that bring people together and express the spirit and culture of the Gulf Coast Capital.

Attraction of the Year

Finalists

This honor goes to a memorable brick-and-mortar attraction, including a museum, entertainment venue, cultural site, or family-friendly activity. The recipient engages guests, provides exceptional service, and creates experiences with meaning. By welcoming residents and visitors alike, the attraction reflects the culture, spirit, and vibrancy of the Gulf Coast Capital.

Signature Experience of the Year

Finalists

The Signature Experience of the Year award celebrates a distinctive year round tour, pop-up activity, or micro-experience that has stayed with visitors and locals. The winning experience demonstrates compelling storytelling, genuine hospitality, and meaningful community participation while offering creative, authentic moments rooted in the culture and charm of the Gulf Coast Capital.

Bar of the Year

Finalists

This award honors a bar, lounge, or cocktail concept known for excellent service, inviting atmosphere, and beverage creativity. The recipient creates a memorable setting for both residents and visitors, consistently pairing quality drinks with outstanding hospitality and a strong sense of place connected to the energy and spirit of the Gulf Coast Capital.

Individual Award Categories

Destination Salesperson of the Year

Finalists

The Destination Salesperson of the Year award recognizes a sales professional who has achieved exceptional results promoting Corpus Christi as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sports, or leisure group travel. Working with the Visit Corpus Christi Sales Team to help secure business, this individual builds relationships, develops leads, and creates meaningful economic impact through tourism. Strategic thinking, collaboration, and enthusiasm for the Gulf Coast Capital define this destination ambassador.

Service Professional of the Year

Finalists

This recognition goes to an outstanding person in a guest-facing or event-service position who demonstrates professionalism, hospitality, and excellence. Whether serving at a hotel front desk, working in a restaurant, assisting guests, or providing event support on-site, the honoree consistently creates exceptional experiences and supports visitor satisfaction. Careful attention to detail and dedication to service distinguish this professional within the Gulf Coast Capital’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Housekeeper of the Year

Finalists

The Housekeeper of the Year award shines a light on an individual performing one of tourism’s most essential roles. This housekeeping professional exceeds routine responsibilities in hotels, event venues, or other visitor-focused settings by maintaining exceptional cleanliness and service. Their work helps surpass guest expectations and strengthens the complete visitor experience.

Mixologist of the Year

Finalists

This award celebrates a bar professional whose skill, creativity, and hospitality have elevated Corpus Christi’s beverage experience. Whether developing signature cocktails, serving with care, or cultivating a welcoming environment, the honoree consistently brings quality, connection, and community to the experience. Their commitment contributes to higher standards across the Gulf Coast Capital’s bar and hospitality scene.

Chef of the Year

Finalists

The Chef of the Year award honors a culinary artist whose talent, originality, and innovation have delighted diners and advanced Corpus Christi’s dining experience. The recipient demonstrates exceptional knowledge and a willingness to explore new culinary possibilities, helping establish new standards of excellence in the local food scene.

Tourism Advocate of the Year

Finalists

This distinction recognizes an individual who actively champions and promotes tourism—Corpus Christi’s second-largest industry. The honoree increases awareness, forms community partnerships, and strengthens the local tourism sector, producing meaningful benefits for residents and visitors.

Rising Tourism Star

Finalists

The Rising Tourism Star award highlights an emerging professional with less than five years of experience who is already contributing significantly to the hospitality and tourism industry. The recipient represents the passion, professionalism, and strategic approach of the next generation of leaders. Creativity, innovation, community commitment, and collaborative drive distinguish this well-rounded professional, whose potential reaches across the future of tourism in the Gulf Coast Capital and beyond.

Sports Partner of the Year

Finalists

The Sports Partner of the Year award acknowledges an individual such as an event organizer, venue team member, or tournament director whose work has advanced sports tourism in Corpus Christi. The honoree attracts, hosts, advocates for, and supports sporting events in the Gulf Coast Capital. Excellence in hospitality, strategic planning, community engagement, and regional growth helps position Corpus Christi as a premier destination for athletes, fans, and sports enthusiasts.

Film Partner of the Year

Finalists

This award recognizes a filmmaker, director, actor, production crew member, location partner, community supporter, or other individual who has helped expand Corpus Christi’s role in film and media. The recipient showcases the region through visual storytelling, collaboration, and professional work. A strong commitment to film projects that reveal the beauty, versatility, and character of the Gulf Coast Capital helps strengthen its reputation as a film-friendly destination.

Music Partner of the Year

Finalists

The Music Partner of the Year award honors a musician, venue team member, or behind-the-scenes contributor who has made a notable difference in Corpus Christi’s music community. This individual develops live music experiences that connect audiences, elevate local artists, and bring people together. Their creativity and enthusiasm reinforce the city’s standing as a vibrant cultural destination while reflecting the Gulf Coast Capital’s energy and diversity.

Previous Winners

Visit the Awards | State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards page →