Robin Hood flies the flag for Nottinghamshire

We are delighted to announce that one of our partners and a Nottingham Ambassador, Ade Andrews, of The Robin Hood Town Tour, has made it through to the shortlist of the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Awards 2014. Flying the flag for Nottinghamshire and English Tourism, Ade Andrews, who is also known by his alter ego name of Ezekial Bone, is one of 10 tourism superstars around the country to make it onto VisitEngland’s shortlist.  The award recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have a priceless experience. VisitEngland is asking members of the public to vote for their favourite tourism superstar and has teamed up with The Daily Mirror newspaper to host an online public vote. Members of the public can now vote for their favourite star by clicking HERE! You can see a video of Robin bidding his true love Maid Marian a fond farewell, as he embarks on his journey to London for the nomination, by clicking here. Robin Hood is world renowned as Nottinghamshire’s most famous outlaw and Ade Andrews lives and breathes the character through his own creation, The Robin Hood Town Tour.  Ade is passionate about Nottingham and the wider county. As well as giving tourists and locals the magical discovery they seek, he is actively involved in projects across the city - from cultural regeneration initiatives to organising tree planting days in Sherwood Forest for city schools. Jennifer Spencer, the Chief Executive of Experience Nottinghamshire, who nominated Ade for the award, said: “Ade Andrews is an excellent tour guide and his passion for the history of Robin Hood is infectious. He assists us in keeping our infamous legend alive but his dedication to Nottinghamshire goes above and beyond simply playing the role of Robin Hood.  He contributes to the wider visitor experience in the County, going over and above the call of duty to ensure they have a quality and memorable stay. “We urge members of the public to not only vote for Ade Andrews when the online poll goes live on the Daily Mirror’s website from 1st March, but to spread the word to their family and friends to do likewise, in order for Ade to get the recognition he deserves and to help us make sure Robin Hood’s legacy lives on through The Robin Hood Town Tour.” In addition to his Robin Hood Town Tours, Ade’s character, Ezekial Bone takes the lead on the Ghosts Guts & Gore Tour of Nottingham and Magic Lantern Tour at the Theatre Royal.  For further details please visit the Ezekial Bone website. VisitEngland launched the tourism awards two years ago as part of English Tourism Week, which this year is running from 29 March – 6 April. Chairman of English Tourism Week David Curtis-Brignell added: “Tourism Superstar 2014 serves to highlight the passion and dedication that abounds in the tourism industry.  This award recognises the people on the front-line who meet and greet visitors on a daily basis, and whose unfailing hard work and creativity ensures that visitors to England have an unforgettably wonderful experience.” The winner 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 this year where their Award will be presented to them in person.