Help Isle Of Wight Bring Home National Tourism Superstar Award Again

Islanders are being urged to take part in a national online vote to see a group of local enthusiasts named winners in the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition.

Voting has gone live, which sees the Isle of Wight Ramblers representing all volunteer walk leaders of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival in the competition.

VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar recognises the very best of the those in the industry who provide an unforgettable visitor experience in England.

The Isle of Wight nomination is the only entry in the south to have made it to the final shortlist, and will be fending off competition from Newcastle/Gateshead, Bury St Edmunds, Peak District, Leicester, Chipping Norton, Birmingham, Coventry, North Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The award-winning Isle of Wight Walking Festival in May and October is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year. Run by Visit Isle of Wight, it’s aim is to highlight the Island as one of the premier walking destinations in the UK, while extending the visitor season.

At the core of the festival’s success are the volunteer walk leaders who are keen to show off their favourite parts Isle of Wight, with walk themes including history, nature, it’s place as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and of course, the beautiful views.

David Howarth from the Isle of Wight Ramblers said:

‘We are delighted to be one of the ten finalists in this national competition.

"We represent the many volunteers who make the Isle of Wight Walking Festival a real success.  It’s great to be part of a successful team. 

‘The winners are decided by a public vote during the next couple of weeks, so please do vote now."

With just weeks until voting closes, time is short to get the behind the Island nominees.

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight said:

"What makes this year particularly fantastic is that the Isle of Wight nominees are representing all the local volunteer walk leaders of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, who each year make the festival one of the best loved in the UK.

"It is particularly fitting that the Ramblers and volunteer walk leaders are nominated in this, the 25th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival and winning would be a fitting tribute to everyone who has made this event what it is today.

"Let’s bring the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award home once more!"