TOURISM is boosting the economy in South Oxford and Vale of White Horse District Council areas by a massive £428m a year.

Now council bosses are hoping a new jointly-funded website will bring in even more visitors.

The councils run a number of shared services to save taxpayers’ money, and are headed by a joint chief executive David Buckle.

The new website – southernoxfordshire.com – cost £3,000 to set up, £150 a year to operate, and will save the councils a total of £17,000 a year in operational costs.

It replaces two individual sites previously run by the councils, and will give visitors information about towns and villages across the two districts, highlighting the history of the area, local attractions and where to stay.

Cabinet member for economic development in South Oxfordshire Judith Nimmo-Smith said the new website was a “fantastic resource”.

She added: “Our market towns are a major asset and bring in lots of visitors.

“People come to Wallingford, for example, for its links with the crime writer Agatha Christie while Abingdon has lots of attractive areas along the Thames.

“These can be a bit hidden away if you’re just driving through and the website will help to direct visitors to all these attractions.

“The website will signpost events and attractions and hopefully that will bring even more people.

“We recognised that visitors often want to travel round the different villages and towns, so the joint website will provide them with a much easier way of finding out all the information they need from just one source.

“There is a lot going on and I hope visitors will come and help us celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in June and the Olympic Torch passing through in July.”

Elaine Ware, cabinet member for economy at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We are encouraging communities to use this new website as a guide to what’s going on and help to boost the local economy in the process.”

According to figures provided by the councils, tourism supports more than 7,000 jobs, attracting 7.75 million day visitors and 638,000 staying visitors a year.

Both councils are keen to encourage more overnight stays to boost income.

  • Anyone wishing to submit details of events for the website should contact tourism@southandvale.gov.uk