We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our company has been named 2023 Hospitality Business of the Year by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce! Our team, including President Michael Cohen, attended the Annual Meeting & Business Awards on February 2nd where Michael humbly accepted the award and shared these thoughts:
“My heart is full of gratitude and humility as I receive this award for Hospitality Business of the Year.
25 years ago, I started Santa Barbara Adventure Company with just five kayaks, a pick-up truck, and three credit cards. I remember my mother saying, ‘Well, at least he’ll always be able to feed himself.’ Little did we know that the business would grow and evolve into the thriving company it is today.
We now host thousands of guests on various adventures, from kayaking at Channel Islands National Park, to outdoor education programs, team building events, and wine country tours. The last 25 years have been full of proud moments for me, including our business surviving the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, being part of an award-winning team of managers and guides, our partnerships in the tourism industry, and our many repeat guests.
I am particularly proud of our concession to Channel Islands National Park, our designation as “Top 10 Best Kayaking Company” by USA Today, and our 100% solar-powered operation at Santa Cruz Island. Our efforts to remove trash through volunteer island clean-up missions are also a source of pride for me.
This award would not have been possible without the support and hard work of my team, our partners in the Santa Barbara community, and all of those who have believed in us along the way. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Hospitality is integral to our city’s economy and culture, and I am honored to be a part of it. Thank you for this recognition, and I look forward to many more years of promoting and supporting Santa Barbara tourism.”
Michael Cohen
President
SB Adventure Co