On 5 July Experience Oxfordshire brought together key businesses and stakeholders from across Oxfordshire to launch their new Patron Scheme, with Bob Cotton OBE leading the way as the first announced Patron.
The Patron Scheme will see high profile individuals align themselves to Experience Oxfordshire by championing the work that is undertaken by the DMO. Patrons will include individuals who are highly experienced in the sector and passionate about destination management, promotion, development and best practice for Oxfordshire.
Bob Cotton OBE has a celebrated career in the tourism and hospitality sector including senior positions within DCMS, and was Chief Executive of the former British Hospitality Organisation for a decade. Bob addressed attendees at the exclusive launch event about his passion for the industry and for Oxfordshire, whilst also chairing a discussion on key industry issues.
Speaking at the launch Bob stated, “I am absolutely delighted to be the first Patron of Experience Oxfordshire and get behind this new initiative. Oxfordshire is a world-class destination and the work of the DMO is critical to its success in destination management. The public and private sectors across Oxfordshire should collaborate on driving sustainable growth in the visitor economy and I will do all I can to help influence this. It was great to see so many businesses and decision makers at today’s launch event and I urge all businesses across Oxfordshire to join Experience Oxfordshire”.
The event was hosted by the Mogford Group at The Old Bank Hotel and Quod Restaurant. Guests of the event were also given the exclusive opportunity to preview the roof terrace bedroom suite at the hotel which is soon to be launched, giving spectacular views of the city of Oxford.
Owner of the Mogford Group, Jeremy Mogford commented, “The Old Bank Hotel and Quod have been delighted to host the launch of Experience Oxfordshire’s new Patron Scheme and it is great to see such a high-profile individual in Bob Cotton OBE supporting the organisation. As an Ambassador of Experience Oxfordshire, the Mogford Group are actively supporting destination management across the city and county, and bringing businesses together to collaborate is a key part of this. It was a great opportunity to discuss key issues and network with other Oxfordshire businesses”.
Hayley Beer-Gamage, Chief Executive of Experience Oxfordshire commented, “We are very proud to have launched the Patron Scheme and continue to add value and strength to the work that Experience Oxfordshire undertakes. Bob is such a credible figure in the sector and we are delighted to be working with him. A key theme that has come out of the lively debate today is that of collaboration and working in partnership, which is vital to not only having a successful DMO but also a successful destination and we look forward to working with our partners going forward to drive growth in the visitor economy across the County. Huge thanks go to both Bob and Jeremy for making today possible.”
Image L-R: Jeremy Mogford, Hayley Beer-Gamage, Bob Cotton OBE
