8 April 2011 - Keith Taylor, the Green MEP for Oxfordshire and the South East, will be visiting Banbury today to promote Oxfordshire as a sustainable tourism destination. Keith is a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism and is keen to encourage and support green tourism across his South East constituency. He is also the Green MEP responsible for the parliament’s work on inland waterways and is interested to explore how the EU can help the development of tourism on and around the canal.
Keith will be given a tour of the Banbury Museum and Oxfordshire Tourist Information Centre by Nicola Reilly, Arts & Visitor Services Manager at Cherwell District Council, Cllr Nicholas Turner, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Simon Townsend, Museum Services Manager. Keith’s visit will focus on how canals can be used to attract tourism, support businesses and encourage local people to travel more sustainably. Later Keith will visit Banbury Cross, a well-known tourist spot, and will sample a famous Banbury cake!
Keith said: “I’d like our region to lead the way in sustainable tourism. Oxfordshire has so much beautiful countryside and this attracts lots of tourists which help to make the South East home to the country’s biggest concentration of tourism businesses. I’m encouraging these businesses to take positive action to reduce their impact on the environment. This can be simple things such as improving energy and water efficiency, introducing better waste management, using local produce and supporting public transport. This would create an enjoyable experience for visitors and reduce the adverse impact that tourism can have on our environment.”
Keith continued: “As the Green MEP responsible for inland waterways I’m keen that the EU helps people in Oxfordshire to make the most of their canals. They’re not only a great attraction for tourists but they can also create opportunities for local business and they provide an alternative way for local people to travel around the area. I’m hoping that my visit will give me a greater understanding of how Oxfordshire can be used as an example to inspire other parts of the region to invest in, and support, green tourism.“
ENDS
