VisitEngland has today 18 January revealed the 10 superstars to make the shortlist of its annual search to find the unsung hero of England’s tourism industry.
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition, now in its 12th year, seeks out champions currently working in tourism who provide unforgettable visitor experiences, as well as showcasing the variety and quality of England’s tourism offer and destinations.
The 10 finalists were selected out of dozens of submissions from employers and destinations across England covering all areas of tourism. The finalists now go on to compete for the title of Tourism Superstar, decided by a public vote this year run on VisitEngland’s website.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
“We have the most wonderful people working in our industry and Tourism Superstar is about recognising those individuals who go the extra mile to make visitor experiences truly special. Whether discovering a city from its waterways, exploring a destination led by volunteers, running a cycle hire non-profit or showcasing culinary delights with food tours, these individuals truly go above and beyond in their roles as tourism ambassadors.
“I congratulate the 10 finalists and wish them every success in the competition, though of course they are all superstars already. I also encourage everyone to get involved and cast their votes once the competition opens.”
VistEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024 finalists are:
- Emily Williamson, founding guide, Pub Tours Ltd, Peak District
- Field Sport UK, Leicestershire
- Sue & Ian Rainford, Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Lancashire
- Pete Chambers, The Coventry Music Museum
- Lily-Rose Sheppard, Paddlesport Guide, Roundhouse Birmingham
- Isle of Wight Ramblers: David Howarth, David Yates and Linda Jones
- Liam White, Animal Manager, Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
- Robert Dennis Brown, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, North York Moors National Park
- Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides
- Amy Whitfield, Triple A Food Tours, North East of England
The public will be able to vote for their favourite superstar on VisitEngland’s website from mid-February when the competition officially opens. Short films of all the finalists, carrying out their duties in their tourism roles, promoting their local destinations, will be shown on VisitEngland’s website to support with voting. Voting closes at the end of English Tourism Week (ETW). ETW takes place from 15-24 March 2024.
The superstar with the highest number of votes is crowned winner at the end of the competition. The Tourism Superstar award is handed out in spring at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event.
