But, we have often fallen short of actively promoting Oxfordshire to the world, rather relying on the world to discover us. That is about to change.

Oxford City Council, together with Oxfordshire County Council and the Oxfordshire Economic Partnership, has been leading the work on the development of the new DMO. The tourism task group has acted as a steering group, together with the involvement of key partners who have given their time to give Oxfordshire one clear voice. Representatives from the District Councils, Tourism South East, Destination Oxford and Oxford Inspires have combined with representatives from the business community to formulate a coherent strategy to benefit Oxfordshire businesses and the wider community.

A considerable amount of work has been carried out to ensure that the new DMO has the right structure, including the development of membership levels and associated benefits, as well as ensuring the new DMO fits in with the organizations which currently represent Oxfordshire at different levels.

Since October 2009, businesses have been pledging their commitment to the concept of the DMO. Together with support from the majority of the local districts, this has enabled the interim launch mode to begin.

Work has already started on developing campaigns, marketing and web strategies as well as initial promotional activity to be carried out over the next few months, before a full launch in April 2011.

A Shadow Board has been appointed during this interim phase, with representatives from the private and public sectors, as well as Tourism South East. A formal board will be elected for March 2011, with public sector representation from the key core funding partners, whilst private sector representatives will be elected by the DMO‘s members.

Susi Golding has been appointed as interim Project Director and has worked tirelessly to co-ordinate the evolution of the new DMO thus far with great effect. John Hoy, Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace, and Charles Holmes, Chief Executive of Four Pillars Hotels, have steered the new DMO together with Michael Crofton-Briggs of Oxford City Council.

How do I get involved? DMO Membership and key benefits
There are 7 levels of membership available:

Granite, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond, with costs ranging from £100 to £10,000 per annum. All levels automatically include membership of Tourism South East.

The DMO’s members would benefit from a range of marketing opportunities and related services, with the opportunity to buy into additional activity and services throughout the year. Therefore, membership can be tailored to specific businesses’ needs, and give businesses the flexibility to target their activity.

Copies of the partnership document with membership details can be obtained from Susi Golding, Promoting Oxfordshire Manager at Oxfordshire Economic Partnership, and who will be Interim Project Director during the initial phase of the DMO.

Frequently Asked Questions
I’m already a member of Tourism South East (TSE). What happens to my membership in 2010?

You should go ahead as normal and renew your membership.

When you join the DMO, TSE and the DMO for Oxford and Oxfordshire will then handle arrangements to ensure you become a full member of both organisations and that your DMO membership fee for 2010 is amended accordingly.

I’m already a member of Destination Oxford. What do I do about my membership for 2010?

As with Tourism South East, you should renew your membership as usual.

When you join the DMO, Destination Oxford and the DMO will handle arrangements to ensure your membership covers both organisations, and that your DMO membership fee for 2010 is amended accordingly.

Additional FAQs with responses can be obtained from Susi Golding (see below).

Further information and a copy of the partnership document or further information please contact Susi Golding: s.golding@oep.org.uk or 01865 815539