Vote For Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar

Simon Entwistle, current holder of Marketing Lancashire’s Lancashire Tourism Awards Special Recognition Award, is one of just ten finalists for the national Visit England Tourism Superstar 2013 award and now needs the public to vote him to victory.

This new tourism accolade, launched in 2012 as part of English Tourism Week, recognises exceptional characters working in the tourism industry and this year focuses on individuals working in English visitor attractions. 

Chairman of English Tourism Week, David Curtis-Brignell said:

“Tourism Superstar 2013 serves to highlight the passion and dedication that abounds in the tourism industry.  This award recognises the people on the front-line who meet and greet visitors on a daily basis, and whose unfailing hard work ensures that visitors to England have an unforgettably wonderful experience.”

Simon was nominated by Marketing Lancashire for his long-standing relationship as ghost guide and supernatural story-teller at Samlesbury Hall, in South Ribble near Preston; said to be one of the most haunted houses in Britain. “It’s a bit like a second home” says Simon, who has been delighting visitors to Samlesbury Hall for over ten years, with dramatic and chilling tales of the hall’s turbulent past –  horrible histories of witches, murders and countless unexplained and spooky phenomena.

Sharon Jones, Manager of Samlesbury Hall comments:

“Simon has been such an asset to Samlesbury Hall bringing visitors old and new with his ghostly stories.  He is a champion of tourism in the area and Samlesbury Hall would not be without him.” 

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire is delighted for Simon.

“Simon is one of those wonderfully enthusiastic people who has helped build Lancashire’s image as a place that exudes history, charm and warmth.  Very much like Simon himself.

“He saw an opportunity to bring some of Lancashire’s more macabre histories and locations to life through story-telling and guided tours;   his success is evident in the smiles of visitors, enthralled by these fascinating tales and captivated by Simon’s personable and welcoming character.  We wish him every success and urge anyone who has enjoyed one of his tours to vote for him as he goes forward to represent Lancashire and indeed the North West. ”

Simon is the only finalist from the North West, the full list of finalists follows:

 Colleen Davanney, Jorvik Viking Centre – York

Elaine Munday, Exbury Gardens – New Forest 

Wayne Grimston, Longleat Safari & Adventure Park – Wiltshire

Sally Randell, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden – Norwich

Simon Entwistle, Samlesbury Hall – Lancashire

Colin Spargo, National Maritime Museum – Cornwall 

Coriena Brierley, Coventry Transport Museum – Coventry 

Claire Preece, Kents Cavern – Devon

Anthony Gales, Beamish Museum – Durham 

Brian Grover, Museum of London Docklands – London

VisitEngland has teamed up with national newspaper, The Daily Mirror to host the public vote.  From February, short films of all nominees will be found on www.mirroronline.co.uk where readers can vote for their favourite.  Voting will commence in February with the winner announced during English Tourism Week (16-26 March 2013)

The winner will be invited to attend VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence ceremony which will be held in May, where they will receive their award in front of a prestigious audience of peers and industry leaders. 

<<ENDS>>

 Photo shows: Simon Entwistle travelling in style to London, courtesy of Virgin Trains, for filming at Visit England. Cheered on by Cheryl Marland, Customer Services Advisor at Preston Station.  

Media enquiries: Anna Izza, Communications Manager, Marketing Lancashire

     Tel: 01772 426 459

Notes to Editors

1.         Marketing Lancashire is the new name for Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board (from 1^st April 2012)

Our activities in marketing and communications, commercial membership, `Welcome to Excellence` training and place marketing are all designed to grow the visitor economy and develop the destination as a great place to visit, live and work.

In 2011 Lancashire attracted just over 60 million visitors who contributed £3.37 billion to the local economy and helped support 55,603 jobs.