LOCAL taxi driver and green badge tour guide, John Consterdine has been shortlisted as one of ten candidates in with the chance of winning VisitEngland’s prestigious Tourism Superstar 2014 award, which recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry.
John is a natural guide. His ebullient character and enthusiasm for Manchester bubbles over whenever given the opportunity.
The award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have a priceless experience. The accolade was launched two years ago as part of English Tourism Week, which this year runs from 29 March to 6 April 2014.
A fantastic advocate for Manchester, Consterdine runs the popular Manchester Taxi Tours and was selected, amongst other reasons, for his tireless passion and enthusiasm for the city.
Consterdine was awarded ‘Tourism Star of the Year’ at the Manchester Tourism Awards in November 2013 and is now preparing to take his campaign national by canvassing for public votes when they open from 1 March.
Commenting on being shortlisted, Consterdine said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have been given this opportunity so soon after winning the Manchester Tourism Award – I’m on a roll! I’m going to use this chance to tell people why they should come and visit Manchester and will do my best to win the award for the city”.
Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, added: “John fully deserves to be shortlisted for this award - he is well-known throughout the city as someone who will go out of his way for anyone and as a taxi driver he knows the city inside out. He is a true asset for Manchester and we will be fully supporting his campaign.”
Jonathan Schofield, Manchester Confidential editor, was the director of the guiding course from which John Consterdine graduated in 2008. He said: "John is a natural guide. His ebullient character and enthusiasm for Manchester bubbles over whenever given the opportunity. Above all he is a people man, warm and friendly, instinctively understanding what a guest to the city wants."
The winner of the Tourism Superstar 2014 award will be announced on March 29, the first day of English Tourism Week and will be invited to attend VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence held in May to have their award presented to them in person. VisitEngland has teamed up with national newspaper, The Daily Mirror to host the online public vote. From 1 March, a short film of all nominees will be found on www.mirroronline.co.uk where readers can vote for their favourite candidate.
