The Coventry Telegraph reports ….
Peter Chambers, the driving force behind Coventry Music Museum, has been crowned as VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024. Pete, a volunteer and the museum’s director and curator, secured the highest number of votes from the public.
On hearing he had won the award, the music fanatic and journalist said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be Tourism Superstar 2024, it makes all the hard work so worthwhile, although I love what I do,”
“A massive thanks to all the amazing people who took the time to vote for me, it means so much. Thanks to our volunteers and visitors and to Laura MacDonald who nominated me. Now let’s get The Specials on that turntable and dance to some Ska”.
Robert Dennis Brown from the Dalby Forest Cycle Hub in the North York Moors came second while Emily Williamson from Pub Tours Ltd in the Peak District took third place. It is a proud moment for the city, said councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, who said the volunteer was a more than worthy recipient.
“It’s brilliant that Coventry has such a rich musical history and we’re equally brilliant that we have an attraction as incredible as the Coventry Music Museum,” Cllr O’Boyle said. “It’s something our city is truly proud of and its success is testament to the energy, creativity and talent that runs through Coventry, qualities that Pete has in spades.
“Pete is a true champion of music and of Coventry, and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
‘Magical place’
The Tourism Superstar award is a yearly competition that celebrates the work of unsung heroes who work within the tourism industry. Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland director, said that the Coventry Music Museum is a ‘magical place’ and Pete is at the heart of it.
“Tourism Superstar is all about recognising those people within England’s tourism industry who go the extra mile for visitors and whilst all the finalists are superstars there can be only one winner and we extend our huge congratulations to Pete,” he said
“In the Coventry Music Museum, he has created a magical place for music lovers to connect with the region’s rich contribution to England’s musical heritage. His relationships with local musicians have brought unique exhibits to the museum, also drawing both domestic and international visitors to the wider area. Congratulations again to Pete and many thanks to all our wonderful finalists and to everyone who got behind Tourism Superstar this year and voted.”
Pete will collect his award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event on June 5 at the Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.
The Tourism Superstar award is a yearly competition that celebrates the dedication of people within the tourism industry. It seeks to find the unsung heroes working in tourism who provide amazing experiences, as well as showcase the quality of the UK’s tourist destinations.