The Gold Key Awards held Feb. 23 recognized people who in some way improved the local tourism industry. SDSU president Stephen L. Weber received one of the night’s major honors, the Gold Key Award, which is given to someone who is outside the tourism industry, but contributed significantly to it.
Other winners included Sue Mason of the International Visitor Information Center, who was awarded “Allied Person of the Year;” the Hyatt Islandia’s Susan Soares for “Food and Beverage Person of the Year, Management;” and Sandi Talley of the San Diego Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for “Salesperson of the Year.”
Also, Connie Diamond of the Hyatt Regency La Jolla won for “Hospitality Employee of the Year” and Rick Mansur, general manager of the Rancho Bernardo Inn, won for “Hotelperson of the Year.”
Wyndham Emerald Plaza Hotel’s Roman Mulugeta won for “Food and Beverage Person of the Year, nonmanagement,” and Jeanne Fenton of the Four Season Resort Aviara won the “Gina Cesena Award.”
