TWO locals feature on a shortlist of five stars from the tourism industry who are hoping to become Durham Tourism Superstar 2019.
Hannah Fawcett,visitor assistant at The Bowes Museum, and Tori Goodall, head falconer at Walworth Castle Birds of Prey, are vying to be crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2019. The annual competition, now in its sixth year and organised by Visit County Durham, is seeking to highlight the best welcome offered to visitors. Finalists were shortlisted by a panel of industry professionals
Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said: “The shortlisting process was extremely tough this year, but we’re delighted to showcase five individuals from across the county who demonstrate their dedication and passion for our tourism offer, making Durham such a great place to visit,” Ms Fawcett said: “I try my best to make everyone’s day a little better, whether that’s smiling at visitors, listening to the team to ensure they’re happy or squeezing in some last-minute children whose trip to Lapland had been cancelled, to see Santa at the museum. I can’t believe I’ve been shortlisted for Durham Tourism Superstar – I just do my job.”
Adrian Jenkins, director of The Bowes Museum, added: “Hannah joined us as an apprentice almost three years ago and her passion for the museum is contagious. She clearly loves her job and that comes across in the warm and welcoming way she greets everyone who comes in.
“She’s always smiling and more than happy to help with any enquiry big or small – I don’t think the words ‘can’t do’ are in her vocabulary.”
Ms Goodall said her one aim is to ensure that every visitor has a “once-in-a-lifetime experience when they meet my birds, while at the same time educating them about birds of prey and conservation” . She added: “I try to ensure that all visitors are personally welcomed and are made aware of the centre’s facilities.”
The winner will be announced at Visit County Durham’s annual garden party, which will be taking place at Hallgarth Manor in July. They will then be entered into the national Tourism Superstar award, organised by VisitEngland.
To vote, visit: www.visit
countydurham.org/durham-
tourism-superstar. Voting closes at noon on Friday, July 5.
