As part of the annual English Tourism week John supported Experience Oxfordshire in their work to develop the local visitor economy. This year is expected to be a good year for tourism in the UK. Research carried out by the National tourist board’s VisitBritain shows continued interest in holidaying at home and a strong forecast for international visitors. During the annual English Tourism Week destination management organisation, Experience Oxfordshire, met with business operators, politicians and sector leaders from across the visitor economy to share insights and identify action required to ensure the county benefits from UK tourism’s recovery.
John was invited to a site visit at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Great Milton. He was given a tour of the operation both front and back of house and was briefed on the opportunities and challenges faced.
Following the visit John said: “Our county offers many examples of outstanding hospitality and amongst them Le Manoir holds iconic status, not least because of the ground-breaking developments to the business since its inception. It’s therefore been both informative and a pleasure to meet with their team to discuss issues currently affecting Oxfordshire’s visitor economy. Post pandemic many operators have recognised the need to change their business models and diversified their offer in line with market trends and it’s great to be here with Experience Oxfordshire who play a vital role in keeping Oxfordshire’s businesses informed of this changing landscape.”
Sarah Powell, HR Director responded: “It was a pleasure to welcome John Howell MP to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond Hotel to show what we do here. Many thanks to Experience Oxfordshire for facilitating the visit and their work in showcasing the county.”
Hayley Beer-Gamage, Chief Executive of Experience Oxfordshire said: “The annual English Tourism Week is a great opportunity to reflect on the fantastic range of products and experiences we have on offer in Oxfordshire and to highlight the professionalism and dedication of the owners and operators. The county’s visitor economy, however, is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic with regard to its value and the number of jobs supported. We have some way to go before we return to the £2.5bn generated in 2019 and Experience Oxfordshire recognises that it’s essential we continue to advocate for the sector. It’s been heartening to have had the active support of our members of parliament at on-site visits to meet with business operators and on a virtual round-table discussion with businesses and local authority colleagues from across the county.”
NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
Experience Oxfordshire is the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Oxfordshire. They are the trading arm of the parent charity, Experience Oxfordshire Charitable Trust, and are a not-for-profit partnership organisation that is committed to the promotion, management, and development of Oxfordshire as a great destination to live, work, visit and do business whilst improving growth and productivity across the visitor economy. The DMO provides essential business advice and support to visitor economy businesses across Oxfordshire.
For more information on the value of Oxfordshire’s visitor economy go to https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/partner/partner-benefits/research-and-insights/
