Award recognizes best practices, passion for hospitality, citizenship and community involvement

Grand Rapids, Mich. – Experience Grand Rapids recognized Kyle Holst, general manager of the Canopy by Hilton, as the 2023 recipient of the Joe Tomaselli Hotelier of the Year award. The award was announced at the Toast the Town luncheon, EXGR’s annual event celebrating the tremendous economic impact of the region’s visitor economy.

“Kyle epitomizes ‘hospitality’ and is known throughout the industry in West Michigan as a manager who leads with ‘yes’ and an ethical, people-focused leader,” said EXGR President & CEO, Doug Small. “These qualities, along with his passion for the property he manages and for the West Michigan region made him a clear choice for this year’s award.”

Nominees are evaluated on four criteria: hotel best practices, passion for hospitality, exemplary citizenship and community Involvement.

Holst has over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Tourism and Management from Grand Valley State University. He serves on the Board of Directors of Experience Grand Rapids and is immediate past president of the Kent County Hospitality Association.

“To be recognized by my peers in a market known for hospitality excellence is quite an honor,” said Holst. “Big thanks to Experience Grand Rapids for this recognition and to my team at the Canopy by Hilton for advocating on my behalf.”

The Joe Tomaselli Hotelier Award is awarded annually—with a pause during the pandemic—to the Kent County hotel general manager who represents the best of the best in the local tourism industry. The award recognizes the noteworthy contributions Mr. Tomaselli made to Grand Rapids through his outstanding work on behalf of Amway Hotel Corporation and through his leadership in the community. Mr. Tomaselli retired at the end of 2012 and is the former Chair of the Experience Grand Rapids’ Board of Directors.

Previous Tomaselli Hotelier Award winners include:

  • 2013: Mr. Ed Wilson, Country Inn & Suites East Beltline
  • 2014: Mr. Bob Orr, DoubleTree by Hilton
  • 2015: Mr. George Aquino, JW Marriott
  • 2016: Mrs. Rachel Crowther, SpringHill Suites North by Marriott
  • 2017: Mr. Brian Behler, JW Marriott
  • 2018: Mr. Elijah Steinmetz, Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
  • 2019: Ms. Rachel Kammer, Residence Inn Grand Rapids Airport

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About Experience Grand Rapids

Established in 1927, Experience Grand Rapids (EXGR) leads the marketing of Grand Rapids/Kent County as a premier convention & visitor destination providing a significant positive impact to the West Michigan economy. Previously named the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, EXGR represents the second largest city in Michigan with over one million residents.