v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Page 72 • The HERALD • 13th March 2025 ASK A PROFESSIONAL LOCAL VOLUNTEERS IN THE RUNNING FOR VISITENGLAND TOURISM SUPERSTAR AWARD A team of local volunteers who welcome visitors and tourists to Southampton have been shortlisted for a VisitEngland award – and they need your votes! e Southampton Saints, a group of local enthusiasts who provide cruise passengers with useful information and directions on where to go and what to see, are nalists in the Tourism Superstar Awards 2025, run by VisitEngland. Now in its 13th year, the awards seek to nd the unsung heroes currently working in tourism across England who provide unforgettable visitor experiences, as well as showcasing the best of English tourism. e Southampton Saints volunteer programme was launched last year by GO! Southampton, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) and in partnership with Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton to enhance the cruise passenger welcome into the city. In 2024 the team welcomed over 3,000 passengers o ering directions to attractions and personalised recommendations for local businesses to discover. Ian Henderson, Group Head of Property at ABP, said: “It’s exciting that this initiative is a finalist in the Tourism Superstar Awards. In less than a year, the Southampton Saints have helped thousands of cruise passengers explore the city. This collaborative idea, developed over two years ago, has become a reality and is now recognised as a finalist in the awards, we couldn’t be prouder.” Stephen Manion, Executive Director at GO! Southampton said: “We are very, very excited to be finalists in this prestigious award and extremely proud of our volunteers, who give freely of their time to share their passion for Southampton with thousands of cruise passengers arriving at the port. Our dedicated team celebrates and showcases the city’s great attractions and fantastic heritage to visitors from all over the world, making their experience more enjoyable and memorable.” ere are 10 nalists competing to take the title of VisitEngland Tourism Superstar this year, with voting open until 23rd March. e nalist with the largest number of votes will secure the crown. To cast your vote please visit: www.visitbritain. org/working-us/visitenglands-tourismsuperstar-award) before the 23rd March deadline. Vote for Southampton Saints to win VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award Upcoming Oakhaven Business Club Networking Events Oakhaven Business Club runs regular networking events with local businesses across the New Forest, Waterside and Totton. Businesses can pay-as-you-go per person per session, or become an annual member. e next event is an Oakhaven Business Club Breakfast on Friday 4th April, 7am–9am at Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Gin’s Farm Clubhouse, £20pp. Tuesday 8th April, 9.30am–11.30am, is a Walk and Work New Forest event at e Haven in Lymington, with a 1 hour walk followed by co ee and cake. Tuesday 13th May, 9.30am–11.30am, is another Walk and Work event at e Lighthouse in Milford-On-Sea. For more information about how to join the Oakhaven Business Club or to book a space for one of their networking events please visit: www.oakhavenhospice. co.uk/oakhaven-business-club
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