City Sightseeing Oxford has launched an exciting new activity for its hop-on, hop-off open-top tour buses.
Oxford Bus Company has confirmed it is improving the frequency of its City Sightseeing services for the summer holidays, so they will run every 10 minutes on weekends and every 12 minutes on weekdays.
Mia Cloo’s Oxford Quest centres around three specially-created fictional characters: child detective Mia, her older brother Dexter and Oxford professor Uncle Charles, who narrate the audio commentary.
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Children will be provided with a free activity pack containing a map and 10 questions about the city’s history and famous residents relating to various stops along the tour.
Once all the correct answers are filled in, a secret codeword is revealed, allowing children to claim special prizes online.
The activity is aimed primarily at passengers aged between 7 and 11, although younger children and parents are encouraged to join in with the challenge.
The creative project was delivered by Cowley-based Oxford Voice, a leading international provider of audio commentary in the tourism industry.
City Sightseeing Oxford managing director Luke Marion said: “Mia Cloo’s Oxford Quest is an innovative project and a significant step in developing our tourism strategy.
“This original, fun-filled activity is designed with our young passengers in mind.
“It enhances our world-class tourism offering by ensuring we provide an inclusive, family-friendly experience.
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“I would like to thank Oxford Voice for their excellent work on this as well as Daniel Wlodarski for providing the illustrations which will be proudly displayed our vehicles.
“We encourage visitors from far and wide to discover this historic city on board our City Sightseeing buses.”
Richard Cotton, Managing Director of Oxford Voice, added: "I am proud to see Mia entertaining children and their families as they discover our amazing city on board those famous open top buses.
“I was determined to create something special and authentic with Mia Cloo’s Oxford Quest, showcasing the best of Oxford in a way that is accessible and engaging for kids.
“The initial feedback has been very positive and I hope both locals and visitors will choose City Sightseeing Oxford for a fantastic family day out.”
City Sightseeing Oxford and Oxford Voice have agreed a three-year licence for the branding, and artwork of Mia will adorn City Sightseeing buses.
The City Sightseeing Oxford tour takes in the city’s famous sights, including the Oxford Castle, Christ Church College, Magdalen Bridge, Sheldonian Theatre, and Ashmolean Museum. The audio commentary is available in 14 languages.
For more information and booking visit the City Sightseeing Oxford website here.
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