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Celebrating English Tourism Week by showcasing Hull and East Yorkshire Rising Stars
Visit Hull and East Yorkshire along with other Yorkshire LVEPs, have been searching for individuals who shine at your tourism and hospitality businesses. From apprentices who have grown into leaders, to innovators transforming how their teams work, and those who are dedicated to developing their skills and becoming the best they can be – we’ve been looking for your Rising Stars.
During English Tourism Week (13th – 22nd March 2026) we’ll be celebrating the region’s local stories by showcasing the industries Rising Stars and what makes them so special.
Who is a Rising Star?
A Rising Star is someone who stands out both for what they’ve achieved already and for where they’re heading. They might be:
An apprentice who has stepped up, taken ownership, and grown into a key part of your team
A young professional quickly developing into a future leader
An employee who consistently goes above and beyond, bringing fresh thinking and a positive mindset
Someone who’s driven improvements in your business and inspired those around them
Hull and East Yorkshire's Rising Stars
Below are the nominations from local tourism and hospitality businesses along with why they are the region's Rising Stars.
What can we say about Thomai! Well known for her glamour, matching her hair bows with her lipstick, she certainly puts the elegance back into our food and beverage team.
Thomai's main area is breakfast however she diversifies into all other areas of the business from our Lexington roof top bar to leading the team in serving 600 guests in our ballroom. Thomai cares so much about the guests and her team, she wants everything to be perfect so that everyone enjoys their time in breakfast whether it is someone enjoying a croissant or a team member serving coffee.
Her standards are high and she won’t accept anything less, coaching and training her team to make sure everyone is delivering the best experience they can. Thomai is flexible, welcoming and so supportive of her colleagues, an absolute joy to work with! However, don't let your standards drop or you will get "the look" - Thomai has perfected that look of disappointment so well she doesn't have to say anything, you just know!
Thomai is a beautiful person on the inside and out, and it is an absolute honour to have her as part of our team.
Morgan, Conference and Events Manager, Cave Castle Hotel
Cave Castle are delighted to nominate Morgan as a “Rising Star" in recognition of his exceptional growth, leadership, and contribution to our hospitality team. He began his journey with us as an ad-hoc Functions Front of House team member and quickly stood out for his professionalism, attention to detail, and natural rapport with guests, unsurprisingly progressing to running the functions department at only 24 years old.
His commitment to exceptional customer service truly sets him apart. He consistently goes above and beyond to exceed expectations, and guests frequently recognise his efforts in online reviews. His impact has been so widely praised that he effectively has his own collection (named category) of glowing feedback on Tripadvisor - a rare testament to the lasting impression he leaves on every event.
Respected and genuinely liked by his team, he leads by example and fosters a positive, motivated working environment. His rapid progression, proven leadership, and publicly recognised service excellence make him a highly deserving "Rising Star".
Katia, Director of Sales, Doubletree by Hilton Hull
In the heart of the city, whether for business or pleasure, The Doubletree by Hilton, Hull is your perfect choice, offering an exciting and breath-taking setting with the perfect fusion of city glamour and contemporary charm. All enhanced by a dedicated team of individuals who deliver a first-class service. One of those individuals is Katia Vasilieva, the director of sales for the Doubletree by Hilton, Hull, an absolute powerhouse who has the ability to charm everyone.
As well as driving the hotel to be the best hotel not just in Hull but in the UK (high ambitions) she works with the local area as much as she can to really push home the message of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire which benefits not only our own business but the city. This is not in isolation but as part of a large network which she is a vital cog.
Katia works with the community supporting the local quest for the travel industry as well as promoting her own property as a 4-star hotel to be proud of. She continues to be ambitious and wants to be an ambassador for anyone of any gender, age or ability who wishes to join what we consider the best industry in the world. Katia is a fairly confident individual, knowledgeable, willing to listen and learn but more importantly able to bring new ideas to the table as well as welcoming ideas from others. She is an absolute dream to work with, passionate, driven but most importantly caring, thoughtful and generous. She leads her team with vigour, and her infectious passion rubs off on all who work with her. We are proud to work with Katia, she is a superstar!
It's been a pleasure to see Theo's journey at Bridlington Spa over the past three years.
Theo began his apprenticeship with us in September 2023, balancing his college studies with hands-on experience at the venue. Throughout his training, he developed strong underpinning knowledge of the industry, combining theory with practical, on-site application. From the very beginning, his keen interest in theatre and the entertainment industry was clear. In his first few weeks alone, he demonstrated genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to learn across all aspects of technical production.
Theo has been a real credit to the venue. He successfully completed his apprenticeship with a Distinction and has since progressed into a full-time technician role. Through hard work and determination, he has built his knowledge and skills across lighting, sound, and stage management, becoming a confident and highly competent technician.
Among his many achievements:
Let's Rock 2024 - Community Band Night: Programmed and operated lighting for the event, delivering a professional and dynamic show.
Jack and the Beanstalk 2025: Worked as Sound No.2 and operated sound for a third of the performances.
Dick Whittington 2026: Took on the role of Sound No.1, operating sound for the full performance run with confidence and professionalism.
Theo's progress and development have been fantastic to witness. He continues to grow in his role and is now flourishing as a valued full-time technician here at Bridlington Spa.
Wayne, Reception Team Member, Doubletree by Hilton Hull
Wayne is part of the front office team but is so much more than a reception team member, he is knowledgeable, kind, supportive but more importantly he puts the guest first in everything he does. His rapport with the regulars is incredible and he makes anyone new visiting the hotel welcome and valued.
Wayne has great understanding of all of our systems, if there is anything he doesn't know then he makes it a mission to find out. Nothing escapes Wayne, his attention to detail is fabulous. Wayne has been invaluable support to the team during the installation of our new front desk system, supporting his colleagues whilst learning himself and is now one of our Gurus in the business.
Wayne's next challenge has been to take on the role of Hilton honours champion and is leading the way with his enthusiasm, dedication, and drive. He is an absolute joy to work with, and we look forward to many more highlights of what Wayne has achieved.
This is why Wayne was the winner of our employee of the year award 2025! What a superstar!
Freddie Director of Drewtons Farm Shop and The Manor Rooms
At just 28 years old, Freddie has already demonstrated exceptional resilience, leadership and entrepreneurial skill across one of East Yorkshire's most diverse family‑run businesses.
Freddie began his journey at Drewton's in customer service, gaining hands‑on experience while studying independently for a Graphic Design and Marketing qualification. He then completed a Grade 1 Catering Course, enabling him to work across all areas of the business - from the kitchen and shop floor to branding, promotions and events. His broad skillset and determination saw him progress quickly into a senior leadership role.
Today, Freddie is a Director of Drewton's Farm Shop, The Manor Rooms wedding and events venue and the wider Drewton Estate.
He also helps oversee a 70‑strong team and is actively involved in the management of 30 long‑term residential properties, estate renovations, development projects, farming operations, and day‑to‑day maintenance. His responsibilities expanded significantly following the passing of his grandfather three years ago - a challenge he embraced with maturity, dedication and vision.
Freddie is also the creative force behind "Freddie's Pumpkin Patch", now in its sixth year. What began as a one‑acre idea has grown into a four‑acre seasonal attraction, boosted further by the introduction of the Enchanted Fairy Trail in 2025. The next phase an additional five acres with a maize maze and sunflower picking will launch next year, representing substantial growth and new opportunities for the business.
His personal story is equally inspiring. After a gruelling cancer journey that involved four months living in hospital undergoing intense chemotherapy, Freddie pledged to give back. He fulfilled that promise by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and raising nearly £50,000 for Castle Hill Hospital and Teenage Cancer Trust.
Freddie is an outstanding young leader whose strength, innovation, compassion and work ethic make him a true Rising Star.
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