VisitEngland has announced the winners of its Tourism Superstar 2025 competition, honoring the Southampton Saints, a group of 13 port cruise welcome ambassadors, with the title. These volunteers are instrumental in welcoming visitors at the city’s port.

The Southampton Saints are acknowledged for their exceptional service, pulling out all the stops to ensure cruise ship tourists feel welcomed with smiles and helpful local information. They significantly contribute to setting the standard for tourism experiences in England.

In second place was Wendy Wilshere from 11 Arches/Kynren in County Durham, and in third place was Hannah Clapp from Muncaster Castle Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre in Cumbria.

Andrew Stokes, Director of VisitEngland, expressed gratitude towards the Southampton Saints:

“VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition is all about finding the individuals within England’s tourism industry who are doing something extra to make visitors feel special, going above and beyond to make their experiences truly exceptional.” “La competencia de VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar busca a los individuos dentro de la industria turística de Inglaterra que hacen algo extra para que los visitantes se sientan especiales, superando las expectativas para hacer que sus experiencias sean realmente excepcionales.”

Stephen Manion, the Executive Director of GO! Southampton, also expressed pride in the Saints’ achievement, stating:

“Southampton is absolutely thrilled and honoured to win this prestigious VisitEngland award. We are very proud of our Saints, who are amazing ambassadors for this great city.” “Southampton está absolutamente encantado y honrado de ganar este prestigioso premio de VisitEngland. Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros Saints, quienes son increíbles embajadores de esta gran ciudad.”

This year’s competition saw a record number of votes, exceeding 18,000, and the Southampton Saints will receive their award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on June 4.