Experience Oxfordshire calls on local businesses and residents to “Tell us how it is!” in support of the county’s visitor economy

Experience Oxfordshire has launched three surveys to gather insights from local businesses, residents and the county’s visitors in a major effort to support the county’s visitor economy as it moves into a potentially challenging 2023.

As the lead destination management organisation (DMO) for the county, Experience Oxfordshire champions the visitor economy with local and national bodies, advocating for the sector in terms of recognition and support. It delivers a year-round programme of communications and marketing aimed at attracting target audiences from around the world.

“We are constantly monitoring consumer trends and reflect them in our communications to potential visitors. But to conduct our activities effectively on behalf of the county, we need to know what the key challenges and priority areas are to address for local businesses. And as a thriving visitor economy impacts on the lives of local residents, we need to hear from them too” commented Experience Oxfordshire’s Chief Executive, Hayley Beer-Gamage.

“Our latest Economic Impact Study for Tourism in Oxfordshire* shows the county benefitted from £1.6bn expenditure by some 23.3m visitors during 2021, an excellent indication of recovery post-pandemic for some businesses, but we know that others continue to struggle. That’s why we’re calling on all Oxfordshire businesses and residents to support us in supporting them by taking 10 minutes to complete our Business Confidence Survey and Residents’ Survey, respectively.”

🢂 The Business Confidence Survey can be found here: Help Us to Help You!

🢂 The Residents’ Survey can be found here: Tell Us How It Is!

🢂 The Visitor Sentiment Survey can be found here: Tell Us How It Is!

The business survey is open to all businesses operating in Oxfordshire’s visitor economy (including tourism, hospitality, pubs, restaurants, retail, hotels and other accommodation providers, event and transport operators, experiences, attractions, tours).

All surveys are open until the first week in February and all information provided is non-attributable. The results will be shared with businesses in early 2023, and by way of thanks, those responding to the residents’ and visitor sentiment surveys can opt into the chance of winning an Oxford Official Walking Tour’s Small Group Tour for up to 14 people (valued at £130). Terms and conditions apply.

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NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

Experience Oxfordshire is the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Oxfordshire. We 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 Experience Oxfordshire go to www.experienceoxfordshire.org/partner

Contact: Lesley Wright/ Email: press@experienceoxfordshire.org /Call: 01865 686433

* The Economic Impact Study 2021 was commissioned by Experience Oxfordshire and examines the volume and value of tourism to the local economy, with further regard for employment generated because of it.
https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/partner/partner-benefits/research-and-insights