Desert Trip possibility raised during CVB’s Oasis Awards

The Oasis Awards celebrate the Coachella Valley’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry, recognizing the contributions of people who work in the hospitality industry.

Among the honorees was the president and CEO of Goldenvoice Paul Tollett, who’s turned the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and Stagecoach, into world renowned events which bring in hundreds of thousands of people to the desert annually.

Tollet recalled how the festivals grew over the years.

“It’s hard to believe (from) just one of those festivals, then two weekends, and the other festival, Stagecoach, which I call Stacy Coach,” said Tollett.

Goldenvoice was also behind Desert Trip in 2016 which brought six iconic musical performances together in Indio for two weekends in October. Amid much applause, Tollett told the crowd of some 650 people it could happen again.

“Desert Trip of course. There’s more Desert Trip that we get pictures of, it’s the craziest thing. Hopefully some day we’ll be there and be able to repeat something like that.”

Greater Palm Springs CVB President and CEO Scott White said that in 2017, the Coachella Valley’s nine cities greeted 13.5 million visitors who spent 5.5 billion dollars locally. He challenged those in attendance to boost that figure to 16 million by 2026.

CBS Local 2’s Brooke Beare was mistress of ceremonies, helping dispense awards to dozens of people in categories ranging from Hospitality to Health and Wellness.

Ron deHarte of Greater Palm Springs Pride was given the Santa Rosa Award for contributing to the promotion of Greater Palm Springs as a premiere travel destination.

Jonas Conlan of the Indian Wells Golf Resort and Steve McIllory of Premier-Scapes Corporation both received the Oasis Award for their implementation of green and sustainable practices.

Seven Coachella Valley High School seniors were also given $1,800 scholarships at the completion of a Hospitality Academy program through the CVB. Many will attend California State University San Bernardino in the fall.

Gulf California Broadcast Manager Mike Stutz was also honored.

“I get this honor because of all the people at CBS Local2, KESQ, KUNA, La Poderosa, the whole works, Fox…It’s a great honor. It’s because of the people that work at the station that I get this recognition.” Stutz recently announced his retirement after decades working in the broadcast industry.