2025 Hospitality Professional of the YearRod T. SchinnererThe Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach Company Rod was born and raised in beautiful Albany, New York as one of four sons to his wonderful parents, Pat & Andy. Rod started his hospitality career at age 16, when he walked into the Thruway Hyatt House in Albany and […]
Alan Perlmutter, Big Sur River Inn2026 Lifetime Achievement AwardMonterey County Hospitality Association Alan Perlmutter's journey to becoming one of Big Sur's most beloved hospitality leaders began far from California's rugged coastline. Born in Manhattan Beach, New York on August 12, 1932, Alan attended PS 173 and Stuyvesant High School before earning his degree from Cornell […]
Media contactKristin Horton, MCHA Executive Director [email protected] or 831-594-1502 Honoring Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient and Hospitality Professional of the Year MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 18, 2026 – The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) will once again bring together hospitality professionals, community leaders, and supporters for its Annual Awards Gala, a signature event celebrating the people and businesses that […]
We are thrilled to highlight the following hospitality all stars in Monterey County! Join us in celebrating the passionate people who bring our local hospitality industry to life—from hotels and restaurants to attractions and events. Through their stories, career journeys, and personal insights, we’re shining a spotlight on the individuals whose dedication, creativity, and heart […]
Media contactKristin Horton, MCHA Executive Director [email protected] or 831-594-1502 Program Supports Current Students and Future Hospitality Professionals MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif., January 19, 2025 — The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) is pleased to announce that applications for its annual scholarship program opened on January 15, offering financial support to students pursuing education and career advancement in the hospitality […]
By Steve Steinhart In October, more than 80 area high school students gathered at Asilomar Conference Grounds for hands-on hospitality activities. They took behind-the-scenes tours of a bustling hotel kitchen. They chatted with housekeeping and maintenance professionals. Students learned about organizing corporate events, directing hotel operations and working in the California State Parks system. They […]
Tehama Golf Club employee Efrain Morales wins “Papa Vince Award” Article Courtesy of the Monterey Herald MONTEREY – “This is the most beautiful thing in the world … they’ve put up with me for 26 years …. I’m very happy,” said Efrain Morales, Tehama Golf Club employee, after winning the coveted “Papa Vince Award” at […]
Congratulations to our 2025 applicants! Click here to learn more about hospitalities emerging leaders. Since 1995, MCHA has given more than $80,000 in scholarships to students earning hospitality and culinary degrees. The MCHA Scholarship is administered by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF). Since 1987, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) has provided […]
Tourism fuels Monterey County’s wellbeing from the ground up. Every visitor—whether traveling for business or leisure—helps support local jobs across lodging, dining, wineries, museums, entertainment, and guest services. Tourism-generated taxes, including occupancy and sales tax, allow our community to invest in vital services like roads, parks, libraries, emergency response, and cultural resources. These dollars strengthen […]
Join us in celebrating 50 years of Monterey County Hospitalilty!
Monterey County Tourism Matters Tourism is one of Monterey County’s most powerful economic engines, supporting more than 27,600 local jobs and generating over $3.1 billion in visitor spending each year. With 4.3 million annual visitors, the industry fuels essential public services—from road maintenance and recreation to public safety—through more than $310 million in state and […]
Media contactKristin Horton, MCHA Executive Director [email protected] or 831-594-1502 Celebrating the Heart of Hospitality: 36th Annual MCHA Recognition Lunch Honors Industry Excellence MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 13, 2025 — The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) once again brought the community together to celebrate the people who make local hospitality shine. The 36th Annual Hospitality Recognition Lunch, held November 12 […]
See our 2025 star players of the Monterey County Hospitality industry: Click here. Stay tuned for more photos and information from this year's event. Thank you to our event sponsors and partners!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 23, 2025 Contact:Kristin HortonMonterey County Hospitality AssociationPhone: 831-626-8636Email: [email protected] Monterey County Hospitality Association Hosts First High School Hospitality Day at Asilomar Conference GroundsEvent Inspires Local Students to Explore Careers in Hospitality MONTEREY, Calif., October 23, 2025 — The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) is proud to host its inaugural High School Hospitality Day at the […]
For fifty years Monterey County Hospitality Association has aligned family owned restaurants, lodging properties - large to small- and hospitality-related businesses to recognize employees, develop career paths, share ideas and advocate for a strong local industry. We celebrate our tourism community and the over 27,000 employees all that call this region home. Shout out to […]
