Witney News - West Oxfordshire bucks the tourism trend

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West Oxfordshire bucks the tourism trend

Tourism is boosting West Oxfordshire’s local economy after spending in the sector rose by almost £6.5m last year.

An Economic Impact of Tourism Study by Tourism South East shows that annual tourism expenditure in the district increased in spite of the economic down-turn.

Tourism related spending rose from £249m in 2009 to £255.4m last year.

Nationally tourism revenue has dropped by six per cent while West Oxfordshire has seen a rise of 2.5 per cent.

West Oxfordshire has also seen an increase of 100,000 visitors on 2009 with over 4.1m people choosing the region as a place to visit.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Local Economy and Communities, said:
“These latest figures are extremely positive for West Oxfordshire as we have worked very hard in supporting the industry through increased marketing activity and business advice.”

“The rise in spending not only cements West Oxfordshire as a thriving tourist district but also in boosting the local economy and creating new jobs.

“The fact that we are bucking the national trend on spending shows that our Tourism Strategy to encourage people to ‘stay longer and spend more’ is working.

“There is no doubt that the tourism sector, along with all local businesses, continues to face tough times but these figures show that West Oxfordshire has coped well in the face of adversity, and local tourism businesses should feel proud of what has been achieved.”

Tourism plays an important role in West Oxfordshire’s economy and the District Council supports the sector through investment in tourism services and development, and operating Visitor Information Centres in Burford and Witney.

The Council also works to promote the district under the brand of the ‘Oxfordshire Cotswolds’ and runs a website www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org containing information about events and attractions, as well as producing a visitor guide, attractions guide and other specialised publications, and representing the District at both national and international tourism events.

Posted : 09/12/2011 17:05:21

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