Voting has now commenced for VisitBritain’s UK Tourism Superstar 2019. Ryan Sanders, Visitor Experience Assistant at the SS Great Britain Trust, is the only Bristolian to be shortlisted for the prestigious national award.
VisitBritain’s annual Tourism Superstar competition recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry. It is awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have an unforgettable experience.
Ryan’s story is one of both professional and personal success. Diagnosed with Asperger’s when he was seven, Ryan found developing certain interpersonal skills challenging, but he joined the SS Great Britain Trust as a volunteer in 2015, determined to develop his confidence and deliver excellent customer service at the museum experience. Since then he has excelled, taking up a full-time position as a Visitor Experience Assistant.
Ryan said:
“It has been an honour to have been nominated for this award. It is a fitting tribute to my incredible journey so far working at Brunel’s SS Great Britain. The support I have had from my friends, family and colleagues has helped me overcome some of the challenges I face with Asperger’s. The SS Great Britain is my second home and I am grateful for each day I spend there.”
Ryan’s positive, humorous, and inspiring attitude touches everyone he greets, being frequently mentioned by name in visitor book and TripAdvisor reviews. As well as inspiring and delighting visitors, Ryan is consistently generating new ideas that create amazing visitor experiences, none more so than through his informative and scene-setting introductions for our new immersive theatre experience.
Liam Tolhurst, Head of Retail & Visitor Experience at the SS Great Britain Trust said:
“As well as inspiring and delighting visitors, Ryan is consistently generating new ideas that create amazing visitor experiences. Being frequently mentioned by name on TripAdvisor reviews, Ryan’s positive and inspiring attitude touches everyone he greets. A group of adults with learning difficulties recently visited, with Ryan proudly telling them that he has Asperger’s. The class leader took time to let us know how valuable and inspiring that interaction with Ryan had been for his class.” “His contribution to the tourism industry and inspiring customer service make Ryan very much tourism superstar 2019”.
Vote now: https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/voteforryan