A former teaching assistant who has been instrumental in making Muncaster Castle a ‘must visit’ destination has been nominated for one of the tourism industry’s top national awards.
Hannah Clapp originally joined Muncaster as a volunteer but her artistic flair, enthusiasm and hard work was soon recognised and she rapidly progressed from her first full time role as Education Officer to Head of Experiences.
Now responsible for the castle’s festivals/events, educational trips, group visits, functions, corporate days and weddings, Hannah has been revealed as one of ten finalists in VisitEngland’s highly prized Tourism Superstar Award.
The annual accolade celebrates those who go above and beyond to ensure visitors have an amazing and unforgettable experience. It also follows her win in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024, celebrating an exceptional individual in the tourism sector.
Hannah says, “This is amazing news; an honour for me and fantastic for Muncaster. I’m absolutely tickled pink! I’m smiling to myself from ear to ear, and so pleased not just for myself but for every one of my colleagues at Muncaster and all our visitors who come together to create brilliant experiences here in the Western Lake District.”
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “We’re immensely proud to see Hannah nominated as a national Tourism Superstar, following her ‘Unsung Hero’ trophy at the Cumbria Tourism Awards last summer.
“Hannah really does go the extra mile for Muncaster and it’s marvellous to see someone as happy dressed as a medieval peasant leading visitors on a rampage during Muncaster’s Medieval Festival as she is behind a corporate desk!
“She is a superb ambassador for the Western Lake District and Coast, the wider Cumbria and indeed the whole North West. So I hope people will get voting when the time comes in the New Year”.
The Tourism Superstar competition is run in partnership with The Mirror newspaper and the winner will be decided by the public when the vote opens in early Spring.
The winner will be revealed during English Tourism Week, 14-23 March 2025. They will then be invited to receive their award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.