VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar award

Andy Yeoman, Education Officer, Dartmoor Zoo, Devon

Andy epitomises everything Dartmoor Zoo could wish for in a tourism professional – engaging, fun and supportive of his team, and warm, welcoming and inclusive with visitors.

As Education Officer and a vital member of the Education and Public Engagement Team, Andy has a huge wealth of knowledge about the attraction and the animals that call it home, and is willing to share that with everyone. 

His infectious personality and extensive knowledge make every visitor’s day special, and his dedication to accessibility, including using Makaton and BSL signs, ensures inclusivity. Andy’s commitment extends to training and supporting volunteers, making each feel valued and part of the team. 

His willingness to go above and beyond, even during personal challenges, demonstrates his unwavering positivity and dedication. Andy’s proactive approach, whether greeting guests or assisting colleagues, truly makes him a Tourism Superstar. 

Ben Francis, Park Manager, Roarr! Norfolk

Ben Francis began his journey at ROARR! as a scare actor for one of their Halloween events for adults, PrimEvil, where he played various roles and quickly rose to team leader in three years. 

His creativity and dedication shone through and led to a full-time position in 2017, and he was soon offered the role of Events Manager, delivering memorable experiences and enhancing the park’s entertainment offerings.

Due to his passion and commitment, he became Park Manager in June 2021, leading a team of six, driving innovation and inclusivity and bringing new ideas to the business.

Ben’s passion for accessibility and environmental sustainability, including recycling uniforms into industrial materials, showcases his forward-thinking approach. His hard work, both onstage and behind the scenes, makes him a deserving award winner.

Zeb Fisher, Learning and Discovery Manager, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Isle of Wight

Zeb has been instrumental in promoting Wildheart Animal Sanctuary through various media channels to help engage and connect visitors with the animals at the park.

Her passion for her work and mission to share both the sanctuary and the Isle of Wight as widely as possible has meant that she has been regularly posting engaging content on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, to highlight the stories of rescued animals and upcoming events.

Zeb has been instrumental at improving the Park’s accessibility offer to ensure more inclusivity, including implementing sensory support elements on side, adding Makaton signage to interactive trails to help people of all abilities take part in activities.

Zeb has also introduced new audiences to Wildheart, including those who are home schooled or excluded, as well as parent/toddler café sessions.

She has worked with local news outlets to feature stories about the Sanctuary’s conservation efforts and special projects, such as the White Tailed Eagle Project and the arrival of brown bears Benji and Balu. Her efforts have significantly increased public awareness and support for the Sanctuary’s mission.

Hannah Clapp, Head of Experiences, Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Estate, Cumbria 

Hannah Clapp’s unwavering dedication and creativity make her an invaluable asset to Muncaster Castle’s success.

She has played a pivotal role in transforming the Cumbria attraction into a “must visit” visitor destination. Starting as a volunteer, her talent, artistic flair and dedication helped accelerate her tourism career into roles including Education Officer and Head of Experiences. Hannah’s innovative ideas, passion and hard work have significantly contributed to the Castle’s success, overseeing festivals, events, educational trips, weddings, corporate days and more. 

Hannah goes above and beyond in her role to engage visitors, often dressing up in costume to add historical ambiance and enhance their experience. She has also brought in new audiences by championing inclusivity through innovative festivals like Dragcaster and Bee Fest. She is also passionate about the environment developing  conservation initiatives including the Eco Barn and Bugingham Palace allowing bugs and insects to thrive.

Her outstanding contributions earned her The Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Prize at the Cumbria Tourism Awards, recognizing her exceptional impact on the tourism sector. 

Wendy Wilshere, Head of Volunteer Casting and Engagement, 11Arches / Kynren, County Durham 

Kynren is a spectacular 90-minute open-air show that narrates the epic tale of England, featuring over 1,000 volunteers and 300 animals. 

As head of volunteer casting and engagement, Wendy has been crucial to its success,  spanning various roles, from behind-the-scenes support to performing as a cast member.

Since 2016, Wendy’s volunteer experience has given her invaluable insight into making volunteer journeys rewarding and meaningful. Now an employed team member, she organizes 1,000 volunteers, ensuring the show’s seamless execution. 

Wendy’s selflessness and dedication shine through as she tackles extra tasks without complaint, always prioritizing the team and the show’s success. Her infectious passion for Kynren and the local area drives her to make lasting improvements. During the off-season, Wendy continues to promote Kynren and Durham tourism at trade shows and events nationwide. Her commitment and enthusiasm make her a cherished member of the team and a dedicated ambassador for the tourism industry.

Southampton Saints: City of Southampton Port volunteers, Visit Southampton, Hampshire

(Alan Spencer/Aycan Ozistek/Brian Mushonga/Claire Davies/Geoff Dodsworth/Hilde Gronsberg/John Parsons/Kevin Watts/Wendy Black/Yana Shkuropat/Lenka Fremerova/Saranjit Karir/Tara Doel),

Launched in spring 2024 in partnership with Associated British Ports (ABP), the Southampton Saints are a passionate team of volunteers dedicated to welcoming cruise ship passengers to their city. Representing Southampton’s diverse cultural character, the team includes members from various backgrounds, all sharing a deep love for their city. 

The Saints provide a warm welcome and valuable information to visitors, enhancing their experience and supporting the local economy. With unique skills, such as a ceremonial Town Crier and multilingual abilities, the team offers engaging interactions and detailed knowledge of the city’s cultural venues, history and restaurants to tailor experiences.

 Their efforts have not gone unnoticed and they have become an integral part of the city’s tourism strategy, continually improving service quality and creating memorable visits for passengers. The Saints’ enthusiasm and dedication celebrate Southampton’s spirit and ensure every visitor feels the city’s warmth and charm.

Steve Johnson, Operations Manager, Scarborough North Bay Railway, North Yorkshire 

Steve’s lifelong passion for trains, particularly those at the Scarborough North Bay Railway, has driven his journey from a young volunteer to Operations Manager. 

He started volunteering as a boy aged only 11, helping eagerly with tasks such as cleaning carriages and clipping tickets. His dedication and skills led to an apprenticeship, mastering the art of driving and maintaining historic locomotives. Steve’s contributions include spearheading a major trackwork program, developing a top-notch safety management system, and building a strong, inclusive team of staff and volunteers.

During the busy summer season, Steve’s enthusiasm is infectious as he drives his favourite locomotive, Neptune, and engages visitors with his extensive knowledge. He has introduced innovative programs like the “Flying Sconesman” and “Scarborough Fryer,” to enhance the railway’s appeal. As an ambassador for the railway and Scarborough, Steve tirelessly pursues publicity opportunities, ensuring the railway remains a cherished attraction. His dedication, creativity, and genuine love for his work make Steve a true Tourism Superstar, embodying the spirit of making visitors’ experiences unforgettable.

Graham Barclay, Entertainments Team Member, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire )

Graham epitomises the values of Cotswold Farm Park with his unwavering passion and commitment to guest satisfaction.

Over his 11 years with the team, he has consistently delivered outstanding customer service across a wide range of activities and events. From leading animal experiences like chick handling and lambing demonstrations to organising engaging school talks, Graham expertly balances entertainment with education. 

His dedication extends to corporate tours and holiday events, ensuring every visitor has a memorable and informative visit. Graham’s enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring both visitors and team members. His genuine care for the animals and commitment to maintaining high standards resonate with guests, resulting in numerous repeat visits from families. Whether portraying Santa’s elf or a key character in the Christmas light trail, Graham’s exceptional contributions make him truly deserving of the award.

Max Sadgrove, Rides Team Leader, Adventure Island, Essex 

Described as having a ‘quirky’ and engaging personality’ by his colleagues, Max Sadgrove is a favourite among visitors at Adventure Island.

Driven by his love of adventure parks, Max joined the team at only 16 starting as a ride host. He quickly distinguished himself with his exceptional work ethic and commitment to guest satisfaction, earning him the top spot in the company’s internal Stars League and a £1,050 prize in September for customer service excellence. Promoted to Rides Team Leader, Max now mentors new team members, and ensures that every guest has an unforgettable experience. 

Max’s enthusiasm and dedication make him a true ambassador for Adventure Island, consistently going above and beyond to create lasting memories for every visitor. His ability to make guests smile embodies the spirit of Adventure Island, making him a deserving recipient of recognition.

The team at Leicester Museums & Galleries, Leicestershire

(Joe Robey/Ranjit Chaggar/Catherine Hallsworth/Joanna Jones/Mark Simmons/Kerem Cetindamar/Finella Bottomley/David Orton/Phil Hackett)

The team at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery aims to promote Leicester and Leicestershire, particularly the Old Town of Leicester, including the KRIII Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and Leicester Guildhall, as prime tourist destinations. 

They work with other attractions to enhance Leicester’s image and boost tourism, contributing to the destination’s nominations for Best UK Destination at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2024. 

The front-of-house team and volunteers are enthusiastic in sharing the stories of King Richard III and Leicester’s history. They play an essential role in the delivery of the visitor experience and regularly receive frequent praise in visitor feedback. 

The team are passionate about creating content for digital marketing, and developing talks and workshops, significantly contributing to the museum’s success. Their efforts have earned them various awards, including the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge and History Museum of the Year at the Luxury Travel Guide Awards. 

In 2023/24, the team welcomed nearly 250,000 visitors, the highest in the museum’s 176-year history, accounting for over 54% of visitors to all six Leicester Museums & Galleries sites. Their dedication continues to elevate the museum’s profile and visitor experience.