The event brought together representatives from across the visitor economy, including commercial businesses, local authorities and academia, alongside Andrew Stokes, England Director at VisitBritain/VisitEngland, who shared insights into market trends and organisational priorities.
During his address, Andrew Stokes emphasised the importance of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) in driving both domestic and international tourism growth, while noting the increasing recognition of the visitor economy within place-based development strategies. He also highlighted the need for continued collaboration to maintain competitiveness.
Andrew Stokes, England Director at VisitBritain/VisitEngland.
Following the event, he stated: “The Experience Oxfordshire Ambassador partnership is a huge asset to the county. As a destination Oxfordshire offers many reasons to visit and it has great appeal in both the domestic and international markets. Collaboration across the visitor economy is key for a destination to thrive. Experience Oxfordshire’s Ambassador partnership with its strong representation of commercial interests, local authorities and academia offering support to the county’s LVEP, ensures that the county can respond swiftly to both operational issues, and harness future opportunities, as they arise.”
The event was hosted at The Store, where Simon Drake, General Manager of The Store and Treadwell, welcomed attendees and outlined developments at the property. He stated: “We value our strong relationship with Experience Oxfordshire and are proud of our role as an Ambassador partner supporting their work in growing the visitor economy. It has been a pleasure therefore to host fellow Ambassadors here at Treadwell once again and to have the opportunity of bringing together those who shape the county’s visitor experience in a building long part of Oxford’s story, and one we’re proud to represent within it.”
During the event, Stuart Crook, Chair of Experience Oxfordshire, highlighted the economic contribution of the sector, noting that the visitor economy generates £2.4 billion annually and supports approximately 41,000 jobs across the county. He stated: “Many thanks to Simon Drake and his team at The Store for their warm welcome and fabulous hospitality. It was great to showcase our Ambassador partnership and collaboration. With a visitor economy generating £2.4 billion in Oxfordshire supporting forty-one thousand jobs, it is essential that key influencers and operators within the county maintain ongoing open communication and collaboration. We’re grateful for all the support our Ambassador partners offer our organisation, and through us the investment they therefore make in Oxfordshire’s future as a thriving visitor destination.”
Heather Carter, Managing Director – Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, also attended and stated: “As one of the founding Ambassador partners, Blenheim Palace is proud of its long association with Experience Oxfordshire and their work in building Oxfordshire’s visitor economy. As a visitor attraction with a significant interest in international markets we understand the importance to a destination of maintaining a relationship with the national tourist board. We are therefore delighted that Andrew Stokes has joined us this evening demonstrating the excellent working relationship our LVEP, Experience Oxfordshire, has fostered with VisitBritain/VisitEngland.”
Participants included representatives from organisations such as Activate Learning, Bicester Village, Blenheim Palace, Bodleian Libraries, Cherwell District Council, GWR, Heythrop Park, Oxford Bus Company, Oxfordshire County Council, Puy du Fou, Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Stagecoach West, The Store Oxford and VisitBritain/VisitEngland.
The Experience Oxfordshire Ambassador partnership brings together stakeholders across the destination to support strategic direction, collaboration and coordinated development of the county’s visitor economy.
Tags: Andrew Stokes TheStore Experience Oxfordshire VisitBritain/VisitEngland
