MPs in Oxfordshire showed their support for the tourism sector last week by visiting businesses in their constituencies, as they marked English Tourism Week 2022.

English Tourism Week is dedicated to highlighting the importance of tourism to local economies and promoting the innovation, quality and range of experiences on offer in England. This year the national campaign is also focusing on the wide range of jobs and career opportunities available across the sector.

Experience Oxfordshire invited Oxfordshire’s MPs to meet with tourism operators, to see how the sector is building back business after Covid-19 and to discuss the employment opportunities available within tourism.   

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During the week, Anneliese Dodds went on an official Oxford walking tour, Victoria Prentis visited Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa resort, Robert Courts dropped in at Fairytale Farm, David Johnston popped by Didcot Railway Centre and Layla Moran went to Jurys Inn Oxford.

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds enjoyed the tour and said: “Our city has such a wonderfully diverse range of attractions and experiences to offer visitors, and a committed workforce delivering them.

“After such a challenging time for the sector, it’s great to see visitors returning to Oxford, but it’s also good to see Oxford locals enjoying all that our city has to offer.”

Oxford Mail: Anneliese Dodds MP for Oxford East with Jenny McGee from Experience Oxfordshire and Oxford Official Walking Tours’ Guide Matthew JohnsonAnneliese Dodds MP for Oxford East with Jenny McGee from Experience Oxfordshire and Oxford Official Walking Tours’ Guide Matthew Johnson

North Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis said it was “great” to meet the team Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa resort.

She added: “It was reassuring to find out about the investment they’ve made to date, and despite the difficulties of the last two years, they have exciting plans for the future.

“This family-owned operation not only attracts business from across the country into the area, but provides a much-loved focal point for the local community. It’s really positive to see a good business thriving.”

Oxford Mail: Victoria Prentis MP for North Oxfordshire with Lee Wood and Paul Morgan at Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa resort and Frank Smith of Experience Oxfordshire Victoria Prentis MP for North Oxfordshire with Lee Wood and Paul Morgan at Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa resort and Frank Smith of Experience Oxfordshire

Witney and West Oxfordshire MP Robert Courts said Fairytale Farm is a place “where the needs of children with disabilities have been put first”.

Oxford Mail: Robert Courts MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire with Nick Laister and Adele Bridgeman at Fairytale Farm and Frank Smith from Experience OxfordshireRobert Courts MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire with Nick Laister and Adele Bridgeman at Fairytale Farm and Frank Smith from Experience Oxfordshire

Wantage MP David Johnston, said of those at Didcot Railway Centre: “The enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers is uplifting and shines through.

“We have fantastic examples of built heritage in our county, and it’s really heartening to see here what can be achieved through dedication and solid support.”

Oxford Mail: David Johnston MP for Wantage and Didcot with Louise Brown, and Clive Hetherington, Anne Middleton and Thomas Macey at Didcot Railway Centre and Lesley Wright from Experience OxfordshireDavid Johnston MP for Wantage and Didcot with Louise Brown, and Clive Hetherington, Anne Middleton and Thomas Macey at Didcot Railway Centre and Lesley Wright from Experience Oxfordshire

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran said: “The hospitality sector has risen to the challenges of the past two years, working hard to make hotels and restaurants both safe workplaces and pleasant places to stay.

“It’s been good to catch up with the team at Jurys Inn here in Oxford, and hear the positive feedback they’ve been receiving from leisure and business travellers.”

Oxford Mail: Layla Moran MP for Oxford West and Abingdon with Jamie Taylor at Jurys Inn Oxford and Frank Smith of Experience OxfordshireLayla Moran MP for Oxford West and Abingdon with Jamie Taylor at Jurys Inn Oxford and Frank Smith of Experience Oxfordshire

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