HEY! Volunteers named national ‘Tourism Superstar’ finalist

STARS: The HEY! Volunteers are in the running to win the title of Tourism Superstar 2026

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

The region’s HEY! Volunteers have made it onto a prestigious national VisitEngland competition shortlist.

The Tourism Superstar competition, now in its 14th year, seeks out champions working in tourism who provide fantastic experiences for visitors, as well as showcasing the variety and quality of England’s tourism offer, businesses and destinations.  

The ten finalists – individuals and teams – were selected from dozens of submissions from Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), destinations, employers and colleagues, covering all areas of tourism.

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) is the region’s LVEP.

The HEY! Volunteers will now go on to compete for the title of Tourism Superstar 2026, decided by a public vote run on VisitEngland’s website in February and March.  

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the HEY! Volunteers in this significant award shortlisting.

“As a HEY! Volunteer myself, I know how incredibly passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic this group of people are in all the work they do to promote Hull and East Yorkshire.

“I would like to wish the team all the best of luck for the awards in summer 2026.”

Chris Blacksell, chair of the VHEY Advisory Board, said: “Our HEY! Volunteers are integral to our tourism and cultural offer.

“Their blue and pink uniforms are recognisable across the region, offering friendly faces and knowledge and support in spades, wherever they go.

SHORTLISTED: The HEY! Volunteers are celebrating making it onto the VisitEngland competition shortlist

“I can’t think of a more deserving team to receive the Tourism Superstar Award 2026.”

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure at East Riding Council, said: “We are incredibly proud that our dedicated volunteers have been shortlisted for the 2026 VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Awards.

“Their passion and commitment play a vital role in making our region a welcoming and memorable destination for visitors. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and the positive impact they have on our local visitor economy.”

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “Our Tourism Superstar competition truly showcases the diversity of roles in our wonderful industry, with all those involved demonstrating their passion for their places of work and destinations.

“It is their commitment to making visitors leave with magical memories that we are celebrating, and I encourage the public to show their support by voting for their favourite superstar. 

“From volunteers, guides, leaders in astro-tourism to chefs, holiday park employees and events teams, these finalists are already superstars. 

“They strive to continuously improve the visitor experience, and I wish them every success when the competition opens in February 2026. Please do cast your vote!” 

The public will be able to vote for their favourite superstar on VisitEngland’s website - https://www.visitengland.com/ - from early February, when the competition officially opens.

Short films of all the finalists carrying out their duties in their tourism roles and promoting their local destinations, will be shown on the website to support with voting.

Voting will run until the end of English Tourism Week, taking place from March 13-22.