The 2026 Hospitality & Tourism Awards recognize excellence in leadership,service, and guest experience throughout Paso Robles Wine Country

Tourism Champion Awardee Joel Peterson and host Adam Montiel at The 2026 Travel Paso TourismRound Up. Photo Credit: Travel Paso.

Paso Robles, Calif., May 28, 2026 – During National Travel and Tourism Week and the kick off to California Tourism Month, Travel Paso hosted its annual Tourism Round Upon May 7, 2026, at the historic Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. This third annual event brought together leaders from across the region’s tourism and hospitality industries to honor individuals whose meaningful, long-standing contributions have helped strengthen the Paso Robles community and enhance the visitor experience.

The one-day event featured an update on tourism in Paso Robles from Stacie Jacob,President and CEO of Travel Paso, who introduced this year’s theme, This Is Paso: Telling the Whole Story. Featured presenters Honore Comfort of the Wine Institute and Mark Barden of eatbigfish shared insights into how attendees can bring this theme to life through emotionally resonant, shareable visitor experiences. They were followed by Aida Mollenkamp, owner of Salt & Wind Travel, who discussed why Paso Robles is poised for its breakout moment, reinforced by her experience working with frequent travelers, many of whom she sends to the Paso Robles area. These presentations explored how storytelling, identity, and social connection influence the way people choose, remember, and talk about destinations. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on creating authentic experiences that inspire deeper visitor engagement and community advocacy. 

Ahead of the event, community members were invited to submit nominations for the Hospitality and Tourism Awards, which were reviewed and selected by a panel made up of regional tourism leaders. Awards were presented across four categories: Emerging Hospitality Leader, Tourism Champion, Visitor Experience, and the Distinguished Leader Award.

2026 Award Recipients:

• Emerging Hospitality Leader: Mae Gonzalez, Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
• Tourism Champion: Joel Peterson, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
• Visitor Experience – Lodging: Ramona Hernandez, Best Western Plus BlackOak
• Visitor Experience – Winery: Maggie Tillman, MBA , Alta Colina Vineyard &Winery
• Visitor Experience – Hospitality-Related Business: Libby Ryan, Just Baked
• Visitor Experience – Restaurant: Javier Soto, Gerardo Garcia & Team,Margie’s Diner

“Congratulations to all award winners,” said Stacie Jacob, President and CEO of Travel Paso. “The strength of our destination lies in the people behind it, and we are here today celebrating them for elevating our hospitality standard and guest promise. You make Paso proud.”

Visitor Experience Award Winners, Ramona Hernandez, Libby Ryan, Maggie Tillman, Javier Soto,Gerardo Garcia. Photo Credit: Travel Paso.

Tourism Champion and Emerging Hospitality Leader Award Winners, Joel Peterson and Mae Gonzalez.Photo Credit: Travel Paso

The day was filled with celebration and served as a continued reminder of the importance of elevating the visitor experience in Paso Robles, with attendees representing a broad cross-section of the region’s diverse hospitality industry. The event concluded with the presentation of the Distinguished Leaders Awards, a special honor nominated by the Travel Paso Board of Directors.

2026 Distinguished Leaders:

• Norma Moye, Paso Robles Main Street Association, awarded posthumously with Jeffry Weisinger accepting on her behalf
• Adam Firestone, Co-Founder, Firestone Walker Brewing Company
• David Walker, Co-Founder, Firestone Walker Brewing Company
• Kathy Bonelli, Paso Robles Vacation Rentals

The annual Tourism Round Up allows Paso Robles hospitality and tourism professionals from across the region to come together for a day of collaboration, insight, and celebration. It honors the very people and organizations that elevate our community, ensuring Paso Robles remains a highly sought-after destination for the approximately 2.5 million visitors it welcomes each year. The event also serves as a powerful reminder of tourism’s local impact, as the hospitality industry generates $450 million in travel-related spending and supports more than 3,400 local jobs for our community members. Tourism remains the undeniable cornerstone of the Paso Robles economy.

Travel Paso extends its congratulations to all the honorees and is proud to recognize them as valued members of the community.

About Travel Paso

Travel Paso is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Paso Robles, CA. Travel Paso leads the tourism community in the Paso Robles region through marketing, branding, and selling Paso Robles to our visitors; advocating for our tourism ecosystem; and sharing critical industry data. Leading the destination in both marketing and management, Travel Paso promotes the community as an attractive travel destination and enhances its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the economic position of tourism, supports business opportunities, and enhances residents' quality of life. Escape to the majestic rolling hills and celebrated wineries of Paso Robles. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and bordered by coastal Highway 1 and the 101, Paso Robles is California wine country with beach access and Michelin stars. A community of cowboys and innovators, it's where world-class food, wine, and art meet small-town charm.

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Media Contact

Diana Parker | diana@solterrastrategies.com