Voting is now open for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar title and Amy, is one of 10 superstars from around the country who are all competing for the prestigious honour.
Voting will open from 19 February to 24 March and the finalist with the largest number of votes will secure the crown. The Tourism Superstar award handed out in spring at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event.
The award, now in its 12th year seeks out champions currently working in tourism who provide unforgettable visitor experiences, as well as showcasing the variety and quality of England’s tourism offer and destinations.
The 10 finalists were selected out of dozens of submissions from employers and destinations across England covering all areas of tourism.
Amy was nominated for the award by NewcastleGateshead Initiative for her passion and dedication in showcasing the region’s food offer and for positive role as an ambassador for the North East.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “We have the most wonderful people working in our industry and Tourism Superstar is about recognising those individuals who go the extra mile to make visitor experiences truly special. Whether discovering a city from its waterways, exploring a destination led by volunteers, running a cycle hire non-profit or showcasing culinary delights with food tours, these individuals truly go above and beyond in their roles as tourism ambassadors.
“I congratulate the 10 finalists and wish them every success in the competition, though of course they are all superstars already. I also encourage everyone to get involved and cast their votes once the competition opens.”
Ian Thomas – Director of Visitor Economy at NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “We are over the moon that one of the North East’s most passionate and dedicated champions has been recognised as a finalist in this year’s VisitEngland Tourism Superstars contest following her nomination by NewcastleGateshead Initiative last year.
“Anyone who has had the pleasure of joining Amy and her tour guides on a journey around the region’s tastiest spots will have seen firsthand her unwavering passion and enthusiasm for the North East and the local restauranteurs, businesses, and individuals she works with.
“Amy is at the forefront of shining a light on the entire region’s burgeoning food scene from Northumberland to Newcastle, to County Durham and she is a true advocate for the trailblazing independent restaurants, street food innovators, market-stall holders and traditional food and drink businesses that make up the food and beverage sector in the North East.
“Her steadfast commitment to delighting her guests and to telling the stories of the people she works with, and the grit and determination she has shown from setting up in the midst of the pandemic to now selling out tours months in advance demonstrates why she is more than deserving of this national recognition.
“Amy’s success further shines a light on the work of the Destination Development Partnership Pilot and its ability to support and champion the area’s visitor economy superstars.
“I hope the region will come together and rally behind Amy and give her their vote so she can bring the title home to the North East.”
Amy started Triple A Food Tours after a trip to New York with her husband. Realising there was a gap in the market for food tours in the North East she set about starting her own business and now runs regular tours In Newcastle;
Northumberland and Durham and is also looking to expand with new tours planned for Edinburgh.
She said: “I'm absolutely thrilled, I just feel so grateful. When you think of all the competition and all of the other amazing, independent businesses that work in this sector, for me to be put forward and then to be shortlisted, it's very, very humbling.
“It would be an absolute honour to be named Tourism Superstar so thanks to everyone in advance for their vote!” The public is invited to vote for their favourite superstar on VisitEngland’s website where they can view short films of all the finalists carrying out their duties in their tourism roles and promoting their local destinations.
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024 finalists are:
- Emily Williamson, Pub Tours Ltd, Peak District
- Field Sport UK, Leicestershire
- Sue & Ian Rainford, Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Lancashire
- Pete Chambers, The Coventry Music Museum
- Lily-Rose Sheppard, Paddlesport Guide, Roundhouse Birmingham
- Isle of Wight Ramblers: David Howarth, David Yates and Linda Jones
- Liam White, Animal Manager, Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
- Robert Dennis Brown, Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, North York Moors National Park
- Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides, Suffolk
- Amy Whitfield Triple A Food Tours, North East of England
The winner will be announced at the end of English Tourism Week, which this year runs from 15-24 March, with the Tourism Superstar award presented in person at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event in the summer.
To check out the tourism professionals and volunteers in the running and to cast your vote visit: https://www.visitbritain.org/working-us/visitenglands-tourism-superstar-award
