Published by Neil Thompson, 26th August 2025
The Bodleian Libraries, arguably the heart of the University of Oxford, have long been a draw for visitors to the city. Experience Oxfordshire therefore is delighted to announce that this venerable institution, a remarkable group of spectacular venues which includes the historic Bodleian Library and the Divinity School, are now publicly demonstrating their ongoing support for the county’s broader visitor economy by becoming an Experience Oxfordshire Ambassador Partner.
Experience Oxfordshire, the destination management organisation and official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for the county, works with businesses and local influencers across the public and private sector to grow the value and productivity of the visitor economy for the benefit of all who live, work, visit and do business within Oxfordshire. By supporting the organisation, Experience Oxfordshire Ambassador Partners are investing in Oxfordshire’s future as a thriving visitor destination.
A long-standing Experience Oxfordshire partner, the Bodleian Libraries has recently participated in the organisation’s international travel trade missions to New York, Toronto and Japan, activity designed to raise the institution’s profile amongst influential travel planners.
“The Bodleian Libraries are an example of Oxfordshire at its best, able to deliver a unique experience with the highest level of quality and care. From a leisure visitor perspective, the institution encapsulates everything they expect to find in Oxford: history, heritage, stunning architecture and welcoming people. For business travel or for conference and event organisers, the Bodleian Libraries offer the best of modern amenities and customer service delivered within a unique environment.
Business and leisure tourism together contribute some £2.3 billion to our local economy and as the government has pledged to grow the value of inbound tourism, it’s even more important that as a sector we come together to work to ensure business and institutions within Oxford and the wider county benefit from any growth. We are delighted to welcome the Bodleian Libraries as an Ambassador Partner and look forward to a productive relationship delivering against our common objectives.”
Hayley Beer-Gamage, CEO, Experience Oxfordshire
Perry Bushell, Commercial Director of the Bodleian Libraries responded: “We have recently been awarded Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best as well as being voted the number two attraction in the whole of the UK by TripAdvisor users, confirmation that we offer a world-class service to our tour visitors. In addition, no other venues in the county or beyond compare with the spaces we offer. Thanks to many film and television projects, the image of the Divinity School has been embedded in the memory of at least one generation.
We particularly value Experience Oxfordshire’s marketing reach, their work with the international travel trade and their focus on growing the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions markets. As our county’s LVEP, they have an excellent relationship with VisitBritain/VisitEngland, and therefore we benefit from access to their resources.
In partnership with Experience Oxfordshire, we look forward to building on our joint reputations and highlighting our offer within the Oxford, Oxfordshire and UK context.”
The Experience Oxfordshire Ambassador Partnership is now in its tenth year and has grown from two founding Ambassador Partners in 2015 (Blenheim Palace and Oxford Bus Company) to a current collective of thirteen leading organisations active in the county’s visitor economy.
Experience Oxfordshire would welcome conversations with other businesses in the county who would like to be part of ensuring Oxfordshire has a thriving and sustainably productive visitor economy. Contact partnership@experienceoxfordshire.org
