Tourism Superstar – The Finalists

Following an online public vote hosted by media partner Lancashire Evening Post/Johnston Press, Marketing Lancashire today (Thursday 23 October) announced the three finalists in the Lancashire Tourism Awards Tourism Superstar 2014 category; an award that recognises and rewards individuals who have been nominated by their tourism industry colleagues for their special contribution to tourism in Lancashire. 

The three finalists are:

Roger Carter – Chair of Bay Tourism Association

With a career spanning 30 years in the tourism and hospitality sector, Roger has made a significant contribution to the visitor economy in Lancashire. As well as being an accredited ‘Welcome to Excellence’ course tutor he has held the position of Chair of The Bay Tourism Association for the last 5 years and has made a huge difference to tourism in the area.

WINNER
Sue Copp – Guest Services and Inclusion, Sandcastle Waterpark 

Sue has worked at the Sandcastle Waterpark for 20 years and been an integral part of Blackpool’s tourism industry for many more years. From working with donkeys on Blackpool beach, managing and running her own catering business, to a successful career at Sandcastle Waterpark she made a lasting impression on visitors and is a genuine ambassador for the resort.

John Gillmore – Presenter, BBC Radio Lancashire

John or “Gilly” to his listeners, colleagues and guests is a respected broadcaster who has worked extensively in Lancashire for over 28 years. He has a genuine and unshakeable love of the county which comes through in his broadcasts and in the warmth of his interviews.  Whether broadcasting on homeground or from outside the area, his affiliations are always to the Red Rose county and the people and places that make Lancashire so special.

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire said, “All of the nominees in the Tourism Superstar category make an incredible difference to the visitor experience in Lancashire. The public response to the online vote has been phenomenal and highlights those who contribute to the success of the £3.5billion visitor economy.  The voters have decided on their three finalists and the outright winner will be announced on Thursday 6 November in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Thank you to all those who voted and we wish the finalists the very best of luck.”

The Lancashire Tourism Awards Tourism Superstar 2014 winner will be announced at the ceremony on Thursday 6 November in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The event will be hosted by esteemed journalist and broadcaster John Sergeant. For more information and to view the list of this year’s finalists go to lancashiretourismawards.co.uk or follow #LTA14 on Twitter.
 
<<ENDS>>
 
For Media enquiries please contact:

Laura Crabb, PR and Communications Executive 01772 426 456
Anna Izza, Head of PR and Communications   01772 426 459

Photos of the Lancashire Tourism Awards Tourism Superstar Finalists 2014
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2dt8tp6rg586vwb/AACaoPtKR1L6s9EMyLfZgMGva?dl=0
 
Notes to Editors
 
1.         Marketing Lancashire is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Lancashire, established (1st April 2012).   Our activities in marketing and communications, commercial membership and place marketing are all designed to grow the visitor economy and develop the profile of Lancashire as the first choice destination to visit, live, study, work and invest in.
In 2013 Lancashire attracted 63 million visitors who contributed around £3.5 billion to the local economy and helped support 56,137 jobs. 
 
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