The local economy is estimated to have been given a £30 million boost by Blenheim Palace hosting the European leaders meeting.
Blenheim Palace reported an impressive 12 per cent rise in visitor figures this weekend (July 19 - 21), citing 'the Summit Effect' of hosting last week's high-profile gathering of world leaders and monarchy.
Staff at the palace described an incredibly busy weekend, with visitors queuing at the door to see the rooms which hosted not only 45 world leaders but also King Charles, who arrived mid-afternoon for the European Political Community Summit, and hosted a special reception in the Palace’s Long Library.
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It was the first visit by a monarch to the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill for 88 years.
As well as a 12.3 per cent increase in tourists, visits to the Blenheim Palace website were up by 45 per cent, while the palace’s catering team reported a vibrant weekend of service across its cafes and restaurants, including the newly renovated Orangery.
In line with Blenheim Palace’s sustainability goals, leaders attending the summit enjoyed locally-sourced food items, many from the Blenheim Estate itself.
Some 80 per cent of the menu was sourced locally, including fruit and vegetables from the palace’s kitchen garden, Blenheim Palace Natural Mineral Water and beef, lamb and honey from the Blenheim Estate.
Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, said: “It’s remarkable to think we hosted an event attended by a quarter of the world’s leaders.
"The summit was, without doubt, the most significant event that has ever taken place at Blenheim Palace, and the feedback we received was incredible.
“One of our 10-year goals is to triple our economic contribution to the local area, and we’re confident that the ‘halo effect’ of hosting this globally historic event will benefit the local economy for many months to come.
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“It’s also wonderful to see the summit have such an instant impact on the number of visitors, especially as the income we receive from ticket sales enables the vital restoration and conservation of Blenheim Palace.”
He added: “It takes a formidable array of local partners to deliver an event of this scale and we are deeply indebted to our friends at Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service, Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue, Oxfordshire County Council, West Oxfordshire District Council and the military for their phenomenal support in safely delivering this event.
"Together we have presented the very best of Oxfordshire to the world.”
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