The team at Leicester Museums and Galleries has been selected as a finalist in VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar Awards 2025.

They have been shortlisted as one of 10 national finalists in the annual Tourism Superstar competition. The competition is run by VisitEngland and aims to find the unsung hero/heroes of England’s tourism industry.

Leicester Museums & Galleries have been welcoming the public into its museum venues for free since 1849. They celebrate the stories of Leicester’s diverse communities and the unique places, art and heritage which shape the city’s identity and showcase these to the world.

The Tourism Superstar competition, now in its 13th year, seeks out champions working in tourism who provide the most memorable experiences for visitors, as well as showcasing the variety and quality of England’s tourism offer and destinations.

Ten finalists were selected out of dozens of submissions from employers and destinations across England covering all areas of tourism. The finalists go on to compete for the title of Tourism Superstar, decided by a public vote and run on VisitEngland’s website.

The public will be able to vote for their favourite superstar on VisitEngland’s website between 17 February - 22 March 2025 when the competition officially opens. Follow Visit Leicester on social media for further updates.

Joanna Jones, Head of Arts & Museums at Leicester City Council said: “We’re delighted to have been selected by VisitEngland as one of the 10 finalists for this prestigious competition. The shortlisting is testament to the dedication, innovation and high levels of customer service that all of the staff and volunteers bring to their roles within the service."

"It’s fantastic to be recognised for the work that we do but now we want to go on and win for Leicester, so please look out for the public vote opening and support us if you can!”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes added: “Tourism Superstar provides the public with an opportunity to celebrate individuals within England’s tourism industry who go above and beyond time-after-time to give visitors truly exceptional experiences. From creating memorable stays in castles to showcasing England’s brilliant museums and art galleries, from running animal sanctuaries that connect people with nature to providing fantastic experiences on heritage railways, the finalists truly go the extra mile in their role as tourism ambassadors."

“We have the most fantastic, passionate people working in England’s tourism industry who continually raise the customer service bar. We congratulate the 10 finalists and wish them every success in the competition, though of course, they are all superstars already.”

Since 1849, Leicester Museums and Galleries has been welcoming the public into museum venues in Leicester for free. It is a National Portfolio Organisation, supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Museums include:

• Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

• Abbey Pumping Station

• Belgrave Hall

• Leicester Guildhall

• Newarke Houses Museum

• King Richard III Visitor Centre