April 22, 2025 (Paso Robles, CA) – Travel Paso’s Tourism Round Up returns for its second year on May 8, 2025, at the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom—bringing together the tourism and hospitality community for a day of connection, education, and celebration. Designed for professionals across the hospitality and tourism sectors, this one-day event will feature insights from industry leader Dr. Christopher Thornberg with Beacon Economics. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from experts, network with colleagues, and honor the individuals and businesses shaping Paso Robles as a premier destination.
We encourage tourism partners to bring their teams for a valuable day of inspiration, professional development, and recognition of those who make tourism thrive in our region.
In recognition of National Travel and Tourism Week and California Tourism Month, this celebration will spotlight those who have made meaningful, long-standing contributions to the Paso Robles community and its hospitality industry. Hospitality and Tourism Award nominations were open to the community for submission and selected by a panel of seven impartial judges representing regional tourism. Awards will be presented in four categories: Emerging Hospitality Leader, Tourism Champion, Visitor Experience, and the Travel Paso Board of Directors’ nominated Distinguished Leader Award.
The Travel Paso Board of Directors are proud to announce the 2025 Distinguished Leader Award recipients, including:
- Cris Cherry, MAHA Villa Creek
- Margaret Johnson, Martin Resorts - Retired in 2024
- Ken and Bobbi Hunter, Sensorio
"The vision, commitment, and steadfast support each of these individuals has contributed to the evolving tourism ecosystem is remarkable," said Stacie Jacob, President and CEO of Travel Paso. “We look forward to honoring each one and sharing their story with the tourism community."
Paso Robles is a year-round travel destination, hosting 2.5 million visitors annually who contribute more than $450.8M in travel spending. And tourism creates jobs… in fact, one in every five jobs accounts for more than 3,424 hospitality-supported jobs throughout the community.
"We are honored to recognize the people—our local tourism champions—who continue to raise the bar for hospitality in our region," said Jacob. "Ensuring that we offer guests memorable experiences and keep them returning to the area year after year to experience all our amazing community has to offer."
This year’s Round Up is not only a celebration of our tourism achievements, but a tribute to the people and places that make Paso Robles truly exceptional.
Tickets are $50 per person and available here.
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. #TravelPaso | travelpaso.com
