Hull And East Yorkshire In The Spotlight As Tourism Superstar Finalists Revealed

Think back to a brilliant day out or holiday and chances are it wasn’t just the place that made it special – it was the people. The friendly volunteer who welcomed you in, the team member who went the extra mile, or the local expert who brought a story to life. That’s exactly what the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition celebrates, and for 2026, Hull and East Yorkshire have a finalist right at the heart of the national shortlist.

VisitEngland has now announced the ten finalists for its 2026 Tourism Superstar award, recognising individuals and teams who deliver exceptional visitor experiences across England. Among them is Hull & East Yorkshire Volunteers (HEY! Volunteers) – a group whose work underpins cultural events, heritage attractions and major moments across the region.

Celebrating Hull & East Yorkshire’s tourism champions

The Tourism Superstar competition is now in its fourteenth year and is designed to shine a spotlight on the people who represent the very best of English tourism. Finalists are nominated by employers, colleagues and local tourism organisations, making this a true industry-led recognition.

For Hull and East Yorkshire, the inclusion of HEY! Volunteers is a powerful reminder of just how important volunteering is to the region’s visitor economy. The group supports a wide range of cultural, sporting and heritage events across Hull and the East Riding, often acting as the first friendly face visitors meet when they arrive.

From festivals and exhibitions to historic attractions and major events, HEY! Volunteers play a crucial role in creating welcoming, memorable experiences that encourage people to explore more of the area and return again.

Who are the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar finalists for 2026?

While Hull and East Yorkshire are proudly represented, the full list of finalists highlights the diversity of tourism roles across England. The 2026 finalists are:

• Hull & East Yorkshire Volunteers (HEY! Volunteers) – supporting culture, heritage and events across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire
• Jimmy Nicol, Volunteer Guide at Raby Castle, County Durham
• Dan Monk, Director of Astrophotography at Kielder Observatory, Northumberland
• Maurizio Bocchi, Chef at La Locanda, Lancashire
• Coast & Country Parks Holiday Connoisseurs, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall
• Leicester’s Festivals and Events Team, Leicestershire
• Mick Hurst, Battle of Evesham Historical Events and Reenactments, Worcestershire
• Sheila Hannon, Show of Strength Theatre Walks, Bristol
• Badger Hide Guides Volunteers, Wild Haweswater, Cumbria
• Cheryl Cade, Tour Guide, Norwich and Norfolk

It’s a list that puts volunteers, guides, chefs, creatives and event teams on an equal footing – all recognised for their impact on visitor experience.

Why this matters for Hull and East Yorkshire

Tourism plays a vital role in Hull and East Yorkshire’s economy, supporting jobs, businesses and community organisations. Volunteers are a particularly important part of that picture, helping events run smoothly, supporting museums and attractions, and providing the warm welcome that visitors remember long after they’ve gone home.

The national recognition of HEY! Volunteers highlights the strength of the region’s cultural and tourism offer – and the people behind it – at a time when Hull and East Yorkshire continue to build their reputation as a place for standout events, heritage and visitor experiences.

VisitEngland on celebrating tourism’s everyday heroes

Andrew Stokes, Director of VisitEngland, said the competition is all about recognising the people who create those unforgettable moments for visitors:

“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.”

He added that finalists range from volunteers and tour guides to chefs and events teams, all of whom are already “superstars” in their own right.

How to vote for Tourism Superstar 2026

The overall winner will be decided by a public vote, giving supporters in Hull and East Yorkshire the chance to back their local finalists.

• Voting opens: Early February 2026
• Where: VisitEngland website
• Closes: At the end of English Tourism Week, 13–22 March 2026

Short films featuring each finalist will be released to help voters see their work in action. The winner will be announced at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in summer 2026.

A proud moment for the region

With Hull & East Yorkshire Volunteers named among the best in the country, the 2026 Tourism Superstar shortlist is a proud moment for the region. It’s national recognition of the people who quietly, consistently and passionately help make Hull and East Yorkshire such welcoming places to visit – and a reminder that behind every great trip, there’s often a brilliant local team making it happen.