Partnerships in Practice

Fairytale Farm

“We have found Experience Oxfordshire to be a vital partner when operating a small tourism business. As well as the obvious marketing benefits, they have a very personalised approach to working with small attractions like Fairytale Farm. They have been very proactive at identifying grant funding sources, assisting with lobbying, organising networking, and training events and providing advice when we have needed it. I would wholeheartedly recommend that any small tourism business in Oxfordshire joins this organisation.”

Nick Laister, Director

Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

“We love working with Experience Oxfordshire, it’s fantastic knowing we have them supporting us, so we can get the best out of our local area, whether it be attending the events we host, attending their amazing events, business forums online or in person or helping out with Fam trips. The insights and knowledge we get to share is so valuable. We have really enjoyed working with Experience Oxfordshire over the last few years, and will continue to do so for many more years”.

Bradlee Pillay, General Manager

Royal Cars

“Being a part of the local community is very important to Royal Cars and our partnership with Experience Oxfordshire allows us to be a bigger part of that community. Experience Oxfordshire play a considerable role in enhancing Oxfordshire’s standing within the tourism industry and enabling connections throughout the county and beyond. We are honoured to be a partner with Experience Oxfordshire and their expertise and vast network have been a priceless resource for Royal Cars over the years and long may it continue.”

Nick Breakspear, Business Development Manager

The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels

“The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels is delighted to work alongside Experience Oxfordshire. The DMO plays a vitally important role in supporting local businesses and bringing visitors into the city. We look forward to continuing to support the invaluable work of Hayley and her team as we create experiences that celebrate the optimistic energy of the local community and pay homage to the city’s heritage and history.

Phillip Lewis, General Manager

Wake up to Woodstock

“As a group of volunteers and partners committed to sustaining the local visitor economy, WUTW collaborates with independent businesses in the town to share knowledge and information. We are therefore delighted to work with Experience Oxfordshire, VisitEngland’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership for Oxfordshire, in promoting local cooperation and collaboration on shared objectives and goals.”

Nickie Rogan, Chair

Experience Oxfordshire Events

#ExOxEvents

Experience Oxfordshire runs a year-round programme of events much-valued by its Partners. This year, in addition to online events including a Virtual Round-table Discussion with Oxfordshire MPs and a Venues Partner meeting with VisitEngland’s Head of Business Events, we were delighted to return to a full programme of in-person meetings.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Oxfordshire’s annual Artworks festival, the spring networking event was held at John Lewis & Partners, Westgate Oxford. In the summer Partners gathered for a convivial meeting in the sunshine at Cogges Manor Farm, in the autumn we were hosted by Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford (formerly Jurys Inn) and the Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South welcomed Partners in the winter.

At all events, in addition to learning more about the host venue, Partners hear from other businesses working in the visitor economy, share experiences and insights and have the opportunity to network with Partners from across the sector. Guest speakers from Experience Oxfordshire’s extensive network of contacts provide Partners with access to industry leaders who bring a national context to local challenges and opportunities.

The annual Experience Oxfordshire Cultural Platform is part of its continuing commitment to promoting the county and its assets. In March the first in-person Cultural Platform to be held since the pandemic took place at Oxford Brookes Business School and welcomed Professor Helen McShane representing the team of the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. The OBRC was awarded the Freedom of the City of Oxford in 2023 and the audience was enthralled and inspired to hear of their critical work in the development of a covid vaccine and of their ongoing work in combatting disease. It was also a clear reminder of the important contribution our research and scientific community make to Oxfordshire as a top destination in which to live, work, visit and do business.