Managing Director of Go Thames Valley at the Go-Ahead Group Luke Marion (pictured) has been appointed to the board of Experience Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire’s Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and the region’s accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).
Oxford Bus Company is a founding Ambassador partner of the DMO, which draws its trustees and directors from across the local business community. Expertise is contributed on a voluntary basis.
Luke’s appointment follows his time spent as a board member of the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership, as well as his role as board director of the Oxfordshire Low Carbon Hub between between 2015-2023. Other credits include the introduction of over 100 zero-emission buses to the Oxfordshire bus fleet during his tenure at the recently rebranded Go Thames Valley, the acquisition by Oxford Bus Company of Pulhams, Pearces Coaches and Oxford City Sightseeing, and his role in leading the opening of the Oxford Visitor Information Point during the the COVID pandemic.
“Oxford Bus Company has a well-established and valuable relationship with Experience Oxfordshire,” he says. “The organisation is committed to the sustainable future of the visitor economy, developing strong partnerships that benefit the county, its residents and businesses. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join such a strong board of directors and trustees, working alongside Experience Oxfordshire’s high performing executive team to support the continued growth of Oxfordshire’s visitor economy.”
Adds Experience Oxfordshire Chair Stuart Crook: “There will be very few operators within Oxfordshire’s visitor economy that won’t be aware of Luke and the contribution his company has made to the city and our sector.
“Although a personal appointment, we always look for a good balance of knowledge and skills across the sector when appointing new directors and trustees. Lukeā€™s drive for diversification and sustainable travel is exemplary, and we are delighted that he will bring his extensive experience and knowledge of travel, tourism and business operations to our board.”
LVEPs were established following the de Bois review of DMOs and are implemented by VisitEngland to grow local visitor economies across England.
