Experience Oxfordshire has been promoting the county’s visitor economy extensively during English Tourism Week 2023 (ETW), the annual national celebration of the tourism industry.
Coordinated by VisitEngland, and taking place until 26 March 2023, ETW highlights the sector’s economic importance and builds awareness of the innovation, quality and range of visitor experiences on offer in England. It also celebrates the skills of the workforce and the diverse range of jobs and careers available in the sector.
Experience Oxfordshire team have been flying the flag for the county at a range of travel trade events organised by VisitBritain. CEO Hayley Beer-Gamage met with travel operators in Berlin and Copenhagen and meanwhile the team at home engaged online with international travel buyers keen to hear the latest from Oxfordshire as part of ExploreGB, VisitBritain’s largest travel trade event, as well as ‘speed dating’ online with international media contacts.
The team were delighted to introduce buyers to the 2023 online edition of the Experience Oxfordshire Visitor Guide, which information, ideas and itineraries and an extensive listings section and is the go-to guide for trip planning.
Oxfordshire’s MPs have be welcomed by the Interim Chair of VisitEngland, Fiona Pollard, on Tuesday 21 March at a Visitor Economy Cross-Party Roundtable Discussion, where Experience Oxfordshire Partners had the opportunity to engage in a lively debate.
Throughout the week Experience Oxfordshire’s social media team has been shining a light on the fantastic range of tourism experiences offered across the county, promoting venues across the county and for all new bookings made and taken during ETW, award-winning Oxford Official Walking Tours will be offering a 15% discount.
Hayley Beer-Gamage, Chief Executive of Experience Oxfordshire said, “In 2019, 31 million trips were made to Oxfordshire and the visitor economy was supporting over 42,000 jobs, contributing over £2.5 billion a year to the local economy. The impact of the pandemic had a devastating effect on local businesses. Over the last 18 months we have seen significant recovery – but there is still a long way to go. We are 36% down on value and 33% down on levels of employment compared to 2019.
“It’s therefore vitally important that, as a sector, operators in the visitor economy work together to raise its profile, and build awareness of the value of the visitor economy amongst stakeholders, to ensure continued support for the full recovery of the destination.
“Experience Oxfordshire takes every opportunity to communicate the wealth of fantastic visitor experiences available in our county, to ensure that the destination remains top of mind amongst tourism buyers, bookers and holiday makers. We look forward to continuing our work with and on behalf of businesses and welcome the opportunity to showcase our sector to our MPs during English Tourism Week.”
VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes said, “With spring upon us and the Easter break just ahead it is timely to shine the spotlight on the outstanding tourism offer here on our doorstep, and on an industry which supports millions of jobs and local economies right across England.
“England’s tourism industry caters for every taste, budget and wish-list. From enjoying contemporary culture in our vibrant cities to our stunning coastal and seaside destinations, from our heritage, countryside and adventure tourism to our outstanding B&Bs and self-catering accommodation, consistently rated as some of the best in the world, there really is something for everyone.”
Click here to find out more information about Experience Oxfordshire.
