'Hospitality Champions' Honored At Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Visit Tuscaloosa hosted its fourth annual Tuscaloosa Tourism Bash last week, which saw awards presented to the best and brightest in the local hospitality sector.

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As part of the event, seven individuals were honored as Tuscaloosa County Hospitality Champions of the Year award recipients.

“This year’s Hospitality Champions are a special group who have all gone beyond the call of duty to create excellent experiences,” Visit Tuscaloosa President & CEO Kelsey 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.”

Additionally, the five award categories were: Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel Sales Professional of the Year, the Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers and the first-ever Chef of the Year.

Here's a look at the honorees:

Hotel General Manager of the Year — Aireal Smith, general manager for Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa.

Restaurant General Manager of the Year — Karlo Guzman, general manager for Heat Pizza Bar.

Hotel Sales Professional of the Year — Ciara Daniel, The Alamite.

Chef of the Year — Phillip Huver of River Restaurant.

Archibald-Williams Hospitality Trailblazers Award — Luzonia Curley, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa; Katherine Bryant, dual assistant general manager and executive housekeeper at Homewood Suites; Ken Washington, food and beverage morning lead at the University of Alabama.

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