Tourism Rally

Save the Date: May 22, 2024 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with us at our 4th annual Tourism Rally! The rally will take place at the Patton Center–Marine Science Institute (855 E. Cotter Ave.) on May 22nd. Join us from 4 to 6 p.m. for a celebration of our island's Hospitality Heroes with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and island jams!

Let us know you're coming with an RSVP to info@visitportaransas.com or (361) 749-5919.

Hospitality Hero Nomination

Tourism is the island's top economic driver, and hospitality workers play a vital role in our amazing town. National Travel & Tourism Week is a great opportunity for us to honor them with recognition at the Tourism Rally, a "Hospitality Hero" pin and certificate, and a full-page ad in the South Jetty. This year, a select number of "superstars" will be chosen from the group (selected by a Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce committee) and featured on our website with an interview and special shoutout. We would also like to honor our superstars with a basket of goodies and experiences from local businesses. If you or your business are interested in donating, please reach out to Lisa Shelton at events@visitportaransas.com.

Who can be nominated for Hospitality Heroes?

Hospitality workers who work in tourism-related fields such as restaurants, hotels, destinations, and entertainment can be nominated. Nominees can be paid employees, volunteers, or previous winners of a company’s internal employee recognition program.

For nominees to be considered, the nomination must contain a minimum of two specific examples of how the employee has gone above and beyond to positively impact the guest experience.

Who can nominate Hospitality Heroes?

Hospitality Heroes can be nominated by supervisors or members of the public/other businesses. If the hero is nominated by someone other than their supervisor, the hero's selection will be pending supervisor approval.

Hospitality Hero Criteria

Hospitality heroes should EITHER have had a defining "WOW" moment that makes you want to nominate them (criteria below) OR should consistently display core values (criteria below). Feel free to put "N/A" in the box you will not be using for this question.

"WOW" Moment Criteria

This extraordinary act of service provided by the staff member was totally unexpected by the guest and so memorable that the visitor can’t wait to tell others. It makes them say “WOW!”
The nomination should include a full retelling of the experience and the action done, as well as its impact on the guest.

Core Values Criteria

The staff member displays core values that include "hard working," "passionate," and/or "team player."
Some examples of this display include consistently possessing a positive attitude, being attentive and courteous to customers, being reliable and professional, having a good working relationship with others, being able to communicate effectively, and going the extra mile by demonstrating their commitment to excellent customer service.

To nominate a hospitality industry worker who has gone “above and beyond” in providing great customer service, complete the following form. Nominations must be received by end of business Friday, April 19.