Oxford City Council has appointed The Mosaic Partnership to explore ways the city can maximise the benefits of its visitor industry.
Oxford has a successful visitor industry; however, it is often seasonal, with peaks at specific times of the year. This has implications for the city, especially when budgets and local services are stretched.
The Mosaic Partnership, experts in this field, will explore different funding options that could contribute to a better experience for residents, visitors and providers.
The study will gather insights from serviced accommodation providers and stakeholders to assess if there are any viable and sensible options for the city.
The Mosaic Partnership will also explore the conditions and sums appropriate for Oxford, if any option is pursued.
If it is decided to pursue one of the options, an independent company, with its own Board of Directors, would be established to decide what the funds could be spent on.
Funds could be used to encourage visitors during the quieter months, aiding the local economy and people by providing stable and permanent jobs throughout the year, rather than just at peak times. However, any decision would be made independently of the Council.
Funds cannot be used for existing local authority activities or statutory obligations.
The study does not guarantee any option will be pursued and the final decision will be based on stakeholder feedback.
The Council expects stakeholder engagement to conclude in Autumn 2024 and the report finalised by November.
Comment
"Exploring different funding options gives us the best chance of making the city’s successful visitor economy benefit everyone living here, as well as those visiting.
“All options are on the table. We’re not wedded to any and it’s possible that the fact-finding process ends with us not proceeding to implementation.
“At this early stage, we are engaging with businesses and stakeholders to ensure that any decision is in the best interests of the community."
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
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