The bid to make Oxford European Capital of Culture must start to involve the whole of the county, says the new man in charge.

Robert Hutchison, chief executive of the consortium behind the bid, said Oxfordshire's tourist sector stood to reap huge benefits.

And he believed the cultural attractions across the county could prove crucial in delivering the money-spinning European title in 2008.

Mr Hutchison, a former chief executive of Southern Arts, said that although Oxford had secured its place on the short list of six, consultation beyond the city had been inadequate so far.

He said: "I fully understand if people have felt that it has been an Oxford operation. But I see it as a county-wide bid.

"Consultations with organisations outside the city are now going to intensify. I'm certainly thinking about county-wide activities.

"My years at the Southern Arts Board have helped me appreciate the potential of turning Oxfordshire into not just an internationally recognised centre of learning, but also a region of excellence for the arts, science and sustainable development.

"It is most encouraging that Oxford has been shortlisted but an enormous amount needs to be done over the next couple of months to strengthen and promote the bid. The challenge will be to manage the growth of Tourism up to 2008."

An Oxford Tourism Forum was held at Westminster College, Oxford, to grapple with key tourism issues, including local shortages of skilled workers and transport.

More than 80 people attended including representatives from local authorities, Oxford Universities, bus companies, hoteliers and the arts.

David Steel, Oxford City Council's representative on the consortium Oxford Inspires, said: "The judges pose the question, 'If you get a lot more tourists will you be able to cope with them?'"

"A lot of the work will centre on transport, accommodation and the need for up to date information about tourism numbers. But it will be a question of the whole county working together, as it did with the OOMPH Festival."

He said accommodation shortages in Oxford could be offset by the rest of the county.