Tuscaloosa’s Hospitality Heroes Honored at Tourism Bash

The best of Tuscaloosa's hospitality industry were honored last week at the annual Tourism Bash, hosted this year at the new Sanctuary on 25th.

The celebration is hosted each fall by Visit Tuscaloosa, the area's tourism bureau, and recognizes leaders at area hotels, bars and restaurants - a massive industry in the Druid City, where the experience economy matters more than ever.

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The ceremony was led by Visit Tuscaloosa's CEO Kelsey Rush, Director of Tourism Jasmine Rainey and Director of Community Partnerships Josh Rivers, who kept remarks short and focused instead on the 2024 Hospitality Champions of the Year.

Seven hospitality heroes were honored for their roles in organizations across the community, and for the first time, Visit Tuscaloosa also honored leaders from the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue.

In addition to leaders from the service industry, the Tourism Bash also drew dignitaries including Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, DCH System CEO Katrina Keefer, Shelton State President Jonathan Koh and many more.

The award winners on Monday night included:

Hotel General Manager of the Year: Aireal Smith, Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa - University

Restaurant General Manager of the Year: Karlo Guzman, Heat Pizza Bar

Hotel Sales Professional of the Year: Ciara Daniel, the Alamite

Chef of the Year: Phillip Huver, River Restaurant

Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers Award:

• Luzonia Curley, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa
• Katherine Bryant, Homewood Suites
• Ken Washington, University Club of Alabama

Finally, the tourism bureau honored the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue.

“This year’s Hospitality Champions are a special group who have all gone beyond the call of duty to create excellent experiences,” Rush said. “Following that theme, it was particularly meaningful to welcome and recognize our local first responders. It is because of the contributions of these individuals and their colleagues that Tuscaloosa County provides a safe, welcoming and memorable experience to visitors and residents.”

For more coverage of events in and around West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.