Monterey Bay F.C. festivities anchor May events honoring 26,000+ local hospitality employees
MONTEREY, Calif., May 15, 2024 – As California’s tourism industry rebounds from a pandemic-related slowdown, upcoming events will recognize the friends and neighbors who keep local hospitality businesses running strong.
On May 29, the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) will hold a public celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week (May 19-25, 2024) and California Tourism Month (May 2024). The two annual events spotlight travel’s role in generating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating diverse, flexible job opportunities, supporting small businesses, and elevating quality of life for all residents.
Locally, festivities are planned during Hospitality Night at Monterey Bay Football Club, presented by Coastal Roots Hospitality. MCHA will greet spectators as they enter Cardinale Stadium, and food specials from Alvarado Street Brewery will raise money for the Big Sur Relief Fund. Hospitality employees will enjoy discounted game tickets, while lucky contestants can win prizes during a halftime festivities.
A Monterey County Board of Supervisors resolution announced at the game will recognize tourism professionals and their positive impact.
"The resolution really celebrates the 26,000+ people who dedicate their daily lives to serving both visitors and locals. Hospitality includes the restaurants, attractions and events that we all enjoy. It also supports our favorite small businesses – places like grocery stores, clothing stores and gas stations – plus the services and transportation that we all depend on, as residents,” says Marriott Monterey General Manager Stefan Lorch, 2024 MCHA board chair.
The same professionals who bring to life to beloved cafes, golf courses, wineries, museums and hotels also spend their paychecks with local businesses. They volunteer with area nonprofits, schools and service organizations and educate visitors on how to be respectful, responsible guests.
Additionally, hospitality employees, and the guests they serve, help make possible long-valued attractions and newer additions like the Monterey Bay F.C.
"Monterey Bay Football Club events are a fitting place to celebrate the individuals working in hospitality. The club is a great new attraction with a wonderful local fan base, and it also brings in visiting teams and fans. When you're at the games, there is real camaraderie even between the competitors. It's like the camaraderie you see between the teams behind our local hospitality businesses," Lorch says. "The impact that these hospitality team members make in our community is phenomenal.”
Next month, MCHA will welcome more than 1,300 hospitality professionals to the annual Employee Appreciation Day celebration at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. For information on MCHA and its events, visit www.mcha.net.
Note to editors: May 29 event coverage opportunities
What: Hospitality Night at Monterey Bay Football Club
When: Wednesday, May 29
Where: Cardinale Stadium, 4111 2nd Ave., Seaside, CA, 93955
Hospitality Night at Monterey Bay F.C. tickets: www.montereybayfc.com/single-game-tickets
Media contact: Kristin Horton, MCHA Executive Director, kristin@mcha.net
Potential visuals and interviews:
- 5:30 to 7 p.m.: MCHA members will welcome spectators
- Screening of a 30-second video that thanks 26,000+ local tourism professionals and highlights the reach of Monterey County's hospitality industry
- 7:45 to 8 p.m.: Monterey County Board of Supervisor Resolution for National Tourism Week and California Tourism Month
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About MCHA
The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) provides a unified voice for more than 26,000 local hospitality professionals. Since 1975, the nonprofit trade organization has protected the interests of the hospitality industry and its employees through advocacy and strong partnerships with local government, elected officials and community groups. MCHA also leads employee recognition events and expands career opportunities through educational programs serving all facets of the hospitality industry. MCHA proudly supports the hospitality and tourism businesses that generate more than $307 million in state and local tax revenues a year, directly benefiting all Monterey County residents. Learn more at www.mcha.net.
