Voting opens for England’s Tourism Superstar 2017

Voting is now open to decide the winner of VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2017.   

The competition, run by VisitEngland and supported by The Daily Mirror, features 10 shortlisted candidates who need your votes to win and be crowned Tourism Superstar 2017.

Visit mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar to watch a short film featuring the Superstar finalists and have your say on who takes the title by casting your vote online.
The voting will open on Tuesday 7 February and the winning Tourism Superstar will be announced during English Tourism Week 2017 (25 March – 2 April).

VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said: “The sheer calibre of this years’ entrants is testament to the outstanding customer service that is the foundation of England’s tourism industry. I really encourage you to join in and vote as we celebrate our Tourism Superstars who consistently go above and beyond customers’ expectations, and who contribute so much to ensure visitors have a great time.”
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar initiative is in its sixth year and recognises the heroes within the industry who far exceed the call of duty to ensure visitors have the most amazing experience.
The shortlisted candidates are:
Gemma Garwood, Falmouth Town Crier, Cornwall 
Gemma, 32, is currently the youngest Town Crier in the UK. She has been in the role since March 2016 and quite literally shouts Falmouth’s praises whilst walking round the town making people smile.

Peter Jay, Volunteer, Cotswold Water Park Trust, Wiltshire 
Peter has been a volunteer for the Cotswold Water Park Trust for more than five years during which time he has had a significant impact on the visitor experience. Peter helps tourists navigate the area and all its activities by manning an information desk at the busy Gateway centre, which sees more than 250,000 visitors annually.

Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, Co-founders of Accessible Derbyshire, Derbyshire 
Gillian and Jane set up the registered charity Accessible Derbyshire 2014 to raise awareness of the wide-ranging challenges faced by disabled people, their families and carers as both visitors and residents. Drawing on and inspired by their experiences of raising three children with a range of physical and mental disabilities, they work to improve access to accommodation, attractions and activities across the Peak District and Derbyshire area.

Karl Gibson, Pub Landlord, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham 
Karl has been running Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem since 2012. The pub, which is said to be one of the oldest pubs in England, dates back to 1189, and the cellars, where the beer for the castle was once brewed, are set in the caves of the adjacent Nottingham Castle and date back to 1070. In addition to his landlord duties, Karl also provides tours of the infamous pub cellars free of charge and acts as an unofficial tourist information centre.

Duane Dibartolomeo, Owner, Grosvenor Fish bar, Norwich 
Duane has owned the Grosvenor Fish Bar since 2012 shortly after he first landed on England’s shores. Originally from Miami, he spent much of his later life in New York before selecting Norwich as his home. Duane has brought his own American brand of customer service to Norwich and meets and greets every customer.

Kevin Robson, Tour Guide and Owner, Wild Dog Outdoors, Northumberland 
Kevin set up Wild Dog Outdoors in 2013 and is primarily a tour guide of Hadrian’s Wall, providing insightful and passionate tours on the Wall’s Roman and ancient history. He delights in regaling visitors with tales of Northumberland’s place in Britain’s history and exploring the iconic sites within the county.

Alan Anderson, Park Ranger, Auckland Castle, Durham 

Alan has been a Park Ranger at Auckland Castle for more than 17 years and still works to maintain its deer park and gardens to the highest possible standards. Alan unlocks the park daily at 5am – even on Christmas Day – and is out come rain, snow or shine maintaining 200 acres of ancient parkland and woodland and enhancing the natural habitat of the local wildlife.

Liz Hill, Founder, Rural Concierge, Herefordshire 
Liz started her own business in 2013 providing travel itineraries and tours to visitors and residents for groups and individuals. Liz is passionate about Herefordshire and making it accessible for all to visit the attractions and gems of the county.

Paul Schofield, City Tour Guide, Hull & East Yorkshire 

Paul is a freelance English Heritage Accredited tour guide mainly focusing on the city of Hull and the East Yorkshire market town of Beverley. Paul is an unassuming, dedicated local hero and ambassador for Hull and East Yorkshire. For the last 28 years, rain or shine, Paul can be found at the head of a group of visitors uncovering the hidden treasures of Hull to tourists.

Leye D Johns, Host & Compere, Viva Blackpool, Lancashire 
Leye started his working life in the NHS but, as a natural showman, what had been a second job as a live entertainer took a more serious turn when he and a co-investor set up Viva Blackpool. In 2012, Viva Blackpool transformed a large empty Mecca Bingo Hall into a one room entertainment and events complex, dedicated to providing quality entertainment to Blackpool’s residents and visitors. Despite a tough start Leye has persevered with his demanding role putting a smile on the faces of more than 50,000 visitors.