2026 AWARD WINNERS
Following another year of growth, change, and innovation in our industry, we are proud to announce the winners of the 2026 CalTravel Awards, which recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations who’ve truly made a difference in our industry—tourism's rising stars, awesome workplaces, sustainability pioneers, DEI&A change-makers, and longtime industry champions.
2026 award WINNERS
F. NORMAN CLARK TOURISM CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Visit Sacramento
The F. Norman Clark Tourism Champion of the Year Award recognizes excellence in California tourism leadership by a member individual, organization, or entity, for activities in a particular year or to acknowledge a body of work in tourism. The award recognizes activities which have contributed to building the image of California and for contributing to increasing visitor arrivals to the state.
BRAD BURLINGAME AWARD
Rhonda Salisbury
CEO, Visit Yosemite | Madera County
The Brad Burlingame Award recognizes a member individual or organization who has elevated travel and tourism advocacy in California by setting an example of commitment, generosity, and effectiveness.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY CHAMPION
Visit Santa Cruz County
The DEI&A Champion Award recognizes a member individual or organization who, by advocating, educating, developing programs, and/or raising awareness of DEI&A issues, has strengthened and affected meaningful change to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the travel and tourism industry.
GREAT WORKPLACE AWARD
Civitas
The Great Workplace Award recognizes a member organization that provides a great environment for employees to thrive and grow through mentoring, innovative recruitment or training programs, high quality of life benefits, or other ways to make their workplace a great place to work.
RISING STAR AWARD
Katelyn Riccardi
Director of Marketing & Communications, Discover Santa Clara
The Rising Star Award recognizes one individual member, 39 years old or under, who has contributed through their individual efforts, to the promotion of travel, tourism, and hospitality in California. This exceptional individual has demonstrated the skills, talents, attitudes, and initiative that are the hallmarks of a rising star.
SUSTAINABILITY & STEWARDSHIP AWARD
Dr. Paige Viren
Executive Director, Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management Program, CSU Monterey Bay
The Sustainability & Stewardship Award recognizes a member individual or organization that has successfully implemented sustainability and stewardship practices that enhance environmental health, manage visitor impacts, and improve well-being of residents in their communities.
30 & UNDER EMERGING LEADERS
The 30 & Under Emerging Leader Awards recognize multiple member individuals, 30 years old or under, who have contributed through their individual efforts, to the promotion of travel, tourism, and hospitality in California. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated the skills, talents, attitudes, and initiative that are the hallmarks of emerging leaders.
PAST WINNERS
GET INSPIRED BY PAST HEROES
Over the years, we’ve had the honor of presenting awards to many exceptional members who have truly made a difference in California’s travel and tourism industry.
These are the people and programs shaping the future of travel in California, and their stories are sure to inspire you!
