VisitEngland, the national tourist board, has announced the shortlist for Tourism Superstar 2015. The tourism accolade was launched three years ago as part of English Tourism Week (this year running 14-22 March) and is supported by the Daily Mirror.
The campaign recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have an unforgettable experience.
The shortlisted superstars:
Andrew Archibald – Doorman at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester
Mark Brattle – Head Falconer at Leeds Castle in Kent
Sue Copp – Guest Service & Inclusion Manager at Sandcastle Waterpark, in Blackpool, Lancashire
Chris Green – Zoo Keeper at The Cotswold’s Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford, Oxfordshire
Matthew Henderson –Engagement & Participation Team Assistant at Beamish Museum in County Durham
Katie Neville – Period Interpreter at Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
Gerry O’ Brien – Publican of The Churchill Arms in London
Clive Phillips – English Heritage Steward at Wellington Arch, London
Kevin Shurmer – Museum Sales and Interpretation Assistant at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon, Wiltshire
Angela Tidmarsh – Tourism Officer at Wychavon District Council in Worcestershire
Highlighting passion and dedication
Chairman of English Tourism Week David Curtis-Brignell said: “Tourism Superstar 2015 serves to highlight the passion and dedication that abounds in the tourism industry. This award recognises the people on the front-line who meet and greet visitors on a daily basis, and whose unfailing hard work and creativity ensures that visitors to England have an unforgettably wonderful experience.”
The Daily Mirror will host an online public vote from 31 January which shows a short film of all nominees. Readers will be able to vote for their favourite on www.mirror.co.uk
The winner will be announced on 14 March, the first day of English Tourism Week, and will be invited to attend VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence held in May this year.
About VisitEngland
VisitEngland is the country’s national tourist board, working in partnership with the industry to develop the visitor experience across England, plan national tourism strategy, grow the value of tourism in England and provide advocacy for the industry and its visitors. Its work is underpinned by robust research and customer insights. You can access the latest in-depth market intelligence and statistics on www.visitengland.org/insight-statistics. For corporate information see www.visitengland.org and for consumer information see www.visitengland.com
About English Tourism Week
English Tourism Week is led by the national tourist board, VisitEngland, and is an industry-wide initiative designed to shine a light on the importance of tourism in England. The industry as whole is worth £106 billion to the UK economy and supports 2.5 million jobs. Hundreds of tourism organisations and businesses will be putting on events to celebrate English Tourism Week this year. For more information about English Tourism Week see www.englishtourismweek.co.uk