150 representatives of businesses from across Oxfordshire’s visitor economy came together at Blenheim Palace to celebrate the achievement of Experience Oxfordshire, the county’s destination management organisation (DMO), gaining VisitEngland Local Visitor Economy Partner (LVEP) status, one of 15 recently announced by the national tourist board.
Dominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim, welcomed guests to Clementine’s on the Lawn, the splendid temporary glasshouse in place during current renovations to the Orangery. Stressing the importance of the sector and touching on the contribution Blenheim makes to the local economy, Dominic Hare offered congratulations to Experience Oxfordshire on their work in supporting the visitor economy across the county. Hayley Beer-Gamage, CEO of Experience Oxfordshire, outlined the importance of the accreditation to the organisation and thanked all partners and stakeholders present for their ongoing support. Fiona Pollard, Interim Chair of VisitEngland, explained the new destination management structures, the rationale behind the new LVEP programme, potential opportunities for the future and praised Experience Oxfordshire for their commitment to the sector and their achievement in being one of the first destinations to receive LVEP status.
In March 2023 Experience Oxfordshire was announced as one of 15 English destinations to gain LVEP status. Developed and administered by VisitEngland, the national portfolio of strategic and high-performing LVEPs support collaborative working locally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to grow the local visitor economy. The creation of LVEPs was part of the UK Government’s response to the recommendations of ‘The de Bois Review: an independent review of DMOs in England,’ to reshape destination management across England, reducing fragmentation and bringing coherence to its DMO landscape.
Hayley Beer-Gamage, Experience Oxfordshire CEO, commented, “Experience Oxfordshire was cited in the de Bois Review as a case study for its work supporting businesses across the county during the pandemic. We are delighted with this further recognition as one of 15 LVEPs announced by VisitEngland. Receiving this accolade, however, is also a testament to the spirit of cooperation which thrives within the county. Experience Oxfordshire is a partnership organisation, we work with and on behalf of businesses, stakeholders and sector related organisations to ensure tourism within the county thrives and works for everyone. We’re working with excellent businesses and brands and the LVEP status places Oxfordshire in the heart of the national visitor economy network.”
Fiona Pollard, Interim Chair of VisitEngland said, “LVEPs are at the heart of transforming the visitor economy landscape in England and we are delighted to welcome Experience Oxfordshire into the nationally recognised LVEP scheme.
“We also look forward to continuing our close collaboration as the LVEP is established. VisitEngland will provide expert support alongside guidance and resources in areas from product distribution, accessibility and sustainability to business support, funding bids and marketing.
“Ensuring we have the right national and local infrastructure in place to grow our visitor economy, in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable way, will ensure Oxfordshire continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors.”
Dominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim and Experience Oxfordshire Board Director and Trustee said, “We’re delighted that so many representatives of the visitor economy have come to Blenheim today to celebrate Experience Oxfordshire’s achievements. Here at Blenheim, we are delivering to an energetic vision of the role of a landed estate, not as an historic anachronism but as a powerhouse of the local economy and the heartbeat of local life. We are a prime example of the positive impact of tourism and the visitor economy, and we are proud ambassadors for Experience Oxfordshire and their work.”
Click here to learn more about Experience Oxfordshire.
