STEAM museum sales and interpretation assistant Kevin Shurmer is in the running for the title of England’s ‘tourism superstar’ for going beyond the call of duty in his job at the Swindon attraction.
Self-confessed railway fanatic Kevin, 68, comes from a family steeped in Swindon’s industrial history, with five generations employed in the giant Swindon works from 1858 – just 17 years after it opened – until its closure in 1986. 
Kevin, pictured, not only played a key role as a volunteer in helping STEAM open, but he was the first to welcome visitors as a member of staff when the museum opened its doors in 2000.
VisitWiltshire, the county’s tourism organisation, decided to put Kevin forward for VisitEngland’s national 2015 Tourism Superstar award after staff saw him deliver a superb talk and tour to a group of travel trade operators as part of a familiarisation visit in October.
They decided his enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge deserved recognition – and he has now been shortlisted alongside nine other tourist attraction stalwarts for the award.
The award was launched three years ago by VisitEngland as part of English Tourism Week, honouring those in the industry who are passionate about their destination and who go the extra mile to make every visitor’s experience extra special.
VisitWiltshire travel trade manager Florence Wallace said: “Kevin offers visitors an outstanding quality experience, exemplifying everything that this award is all about, by communicating his railway experiences first-hand and his passion for Wiltshire’s industrial heritage.”
STEAM income generation manager Ian Surtees added: “Kevin has always been a tremendous member of the team and his enthusiasm for the railway works and how they played an integral role in the future development of Swindon as a town is there for all to see. His passion and commitment is inspiring to everyone who has the pleasure to meet him and he is a credit to our museum.”
Kevin’s appearance on the shortlist is VisitWiltshire’s second in the award in as many years. In 2013 Wayne Grimston from Longleat Safari & Adventure Park came close to securing the Tourism Superstar title.
Florence added: “We have an excellent working relationship with VisitEngland and are always keen to put candidates forward for these types of awards as it offers great PR opportunities to our partners.
“This just reinforces the fact that we have many experienced and passionate staff within tourism related businesses in Wiltshire.”
An online public vote will be hosted by the Daily Mirror from January 31 which will also show a short film of all the nominees. Readers will be able to vote for their favourite via: www.mirroronline.co.uk
The winner – who will be announced on March 14, the first day of English Tourism Week – will also be invited to attend VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence held in May.
VisitWiltshire represents more than 550 partner organisations and attractions and is responsible for growing the county’s visitor economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Tourism in Wiltshire generates an estimated £1.4bn a year and supports more than 27,000 jobs.
Among those shortlisted for the tourism superstar award are a London publican, the head falconer at Leeds Castle in Kent, the period interpreter at Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and the zookeeper at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford.
