03/05/13…Hospitality & retail businesses – join the OxTrails launch

HOSPITALITY and retail businesses are being invited to join in the celebrations FOR the launch of OxTrails, the new multi-format trails which will take visitors and residents around places of interest in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

The Ox Trails project, which was initiated last year, involves new themed guides and itineraries to entice visitors into and around southern Oxfordshire.

Local businesses have been working with their respective district councils and Hidden Britain on the project that highlights 25 ?waypoints? or points of interest on each trail.

The trails have been designed to help visitors make their way around the southern Oxfordshire area, taking them on a thematic journey around one of five different experiences ? film, food, history, literature and the outdoors.

As well as covering a wide range of interests, the trails will also be available via a number of media formats, including the Southern Oxfordshire website (www.southernoxfordshire.com), downloadable trails, travel itineraries, and a mobile phone app.

Businesses with an interest in the hospitality and retail industries across the two districts are now being invited to join the launch of the project at a special event at The Lakeview Restaurant, Millets Farm Centre in Frilford, on Thursday, May 23.

The event, which takes place between 4pm and 6pm will show off the new smart phone app and show how businesses and visitors can make the most out of it. The showcase will also feature several stalls from businesses involved in the project, as well as the opportunity to network with others in attendance.

Places at the event are limited and are on a registration only basis. Those wishing to attend should sign up as soon as possible by visiting www.oxtrails.eventbrite.co.uk

Cllr Judith Nimmo-Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Property and Technical Services, said: “Tourism is vital to the local economy with many businesses relying on visitors throughout the year. It?s therefore important that we make it as easy and welcoming as possible for people coming to the area to help them find their way around and find the many hidden and not so hidden gems we have to offer.”