Will an Isle of Wight group become England’s tourism superstars?
Visit England has revealed the 10 'superstars' to make the shortlist of its annual search to find the unsung heroes of England’s tourism industry - and the Isle of Wight is among them.
Visit Isle of Wight nominated IW Ramblers Association members David Howarth, David Yates and Linda Jones on behalf of all the volunteer walk leaders for their work in promoting and helping to co-ordinate the Isle of Wight Walking Festival.
The Ramblers have now made the shortlist of 10 who have demonstrated they provide unforgettable visitor experiences, as well as showcasing the variety and quality of England’s tourism offer and destinations.
Celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in 2024, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival has seen tens of thousands of people visit the Island and take part in the walks, the majority of which are free and put on by dedicated and passionate volunteers.
In 2023 alone, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival was estimated to have brought an additional £500 000 to the Island’s economy, outside of the traditional peak summer season.
David Howarth, publicity officer at the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association, and nominee, says:
‘We’re absolutely delighted to be nominated for this award.
"The recognition for the hard work of the members of the Ramblers Association over many years, and it is particularly rewarding to be nominated in this, the 25th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival!’
Will Myles, Managing Director of Visit Isle of Wight, added:
"It is amazing that the Isle of Wight Ramblers have been shortlisted in the final 10 for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2024 award.
"It continues to show that tourism and the visitor economy is at the heart of this Island’s economy.
"The people of the Island are such amazing ambassadors for our visitor economy."
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.
The public will be able to vote for their favourite superstar on Visit England’s website from mid-February when the competition officially opens.
Voting closes at the end of English Tourism Week (ETW), which 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 Visit England Awards for Excellence event.
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