West Midlands canal kayaking tour guide is in the running to be tourism superstar

Roundhouse Birmingham’s Lily-Rose Sheppard has been nominated for VisitEngland’s annual Tourism Superstar competition.

The 10 national finalists were chosen from dozens of submissions from employers and destinations across England.

Lily-Rose encourages visitors to explore Birmingham through the city's waterways. Visitors discover Birmingham’s hidden heritage and see its landmarks from a different angle, whilst listening to the history of the city and its canals.

The crown of Tourism Superstar will be decided by a public vote this year run on VisitEngland’s website.

Voting closes at the end of English Tourism Week, which takes place from March 15 to 24.

Vote at https://visitenglandawards.secure-platform.com/tourismsuperstar/gallery?roundId=304

Andrew Lovett, chairman of the West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, said: “The West Midlands is known for its incredible welcome – and a lot of that is down to the knowledge, warmth and effort of the people working in our venues and establishments."

Anna Pickton, operations manager for Roundhouse Birmingham, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Lily-Rose has made the final 10 for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition. Lily-Rose is not only a skilled kayak guide, but a fount of Birmingham knowledge, sharing her passion for the city’s heritage and vibrant culture throughout her tours.

“As a heritage charity about to celebrate the Roundhouse’s 150th anniversary in May, we are extremely proud to have Lily-Rose delivering a weekend of special tours and activities. Her friendliness, patience, positivity and love for sharing Birmingham’s history make her a real guest favourite.

“Lily-Rose’s love of history and her knowledge of Birmingham’s canal network, coupled with the way she helps bring Birmingham’s rich history to life for all guests, makes her a great choice for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition.”

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “We have the most wonderful people working in our industry and Tourism Superstar is about recognising those individuals who go the extra mile to make visitor experiences truly special.

"Whether discovering a city from its waterways, exploring a destination led by volunteers, running a cycle hire non-profit or showcasing culinary delights with food tours, these individuals truly go above and beyond in their roles as tourism ambassadors."

The West Midlands has a range of notable events and dates to highlight throughout 2024 – including celebrations to mark world-famous Birmingham-based chocolate brand Cadbury’s 200th anniversary.

The British Museum Touring Exhibition will present some of the most compelling up-and-coming names in the field of contemporary drawing between February 10 and May 6 at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Marking the 150th anniversary of its opening, a special event will take place at Walsall Arboretum over the first May bank holiday weekend, alongside exhibitions on the history of the park. Sandwell and Birmingham Mela – the largest South Asian music festival in Europe – returns on July 13 and 14 with some of the biggest artists from the UK and overseas.