A ROYAL tourist boom could give Oxford a multi-million pound boost this year.

That is the conclusion of Tourism bosses at Visit Oxfordshire, who believe people could be drawn to the county in record numbers by its historical links and rural beauty.

With visitor attractions enjoying a bumper weekend in the Easter sun, the industry is hoping Oxford will benefit from British residents staying at home this summer, while foreign visitors are drawn here by publicity surrounding the Royal wedding.

The latest figures show a six per cent increase in visitor inquiries to Visit Oxfordshire’s Broad Street office – from 500,000 to 530,000 compared to the last financial year.

Tourism manager Jo Butler said the industry was now estimated to be worth £700m to Oxford and £1.6bn to the county.

She said: “Nationally we have seen a ‘staycation’ boom of visitors looking to stay in the UK for their holidays this year.

She added: “Just after the Royal engagement, we had a real increase in people coming for romantic breaks.

“I think there is a Royal boom, with people looking for the heritage and history of the city, and quintessential English countryside of the surrounding area.” Films and TV shows with Oxfordshire links are also credited with attracting more tourists.

The most common inquiry at the Broad Street tourist information office is for directions to buildings featured in the Harry Potter films.

The village of Bampton, which appeared in Downton Abbey, and The Six Bells in Warborough, from Midsomer Murders, were this week listed among the top 20 ‘TV Tourism’ destinations.

Salters Steamers’ Neil Kinch said the firm had enjoyed a record-breaking Easter on the river.

He said: “It must be one of our best Easter weekends ever.

“The majority of people over the weekend were local people enjoying the sun and making the most of it.”

Street trader John Irvin, whose family has run their pitch at Bonn Square for nearly 30 years, said: “On Saturday there were a lot of foreigners buying Royal wedding mugs and fridge magnets, but now it is English people buying bunting for their parties on Friday, or hand-held flags to take up to London with them.”

Last week we reported an estimated £50m blow to the county’s economy due to the unprecedented build-up of bank holidays this week.

l Anyone called William, Will, Kate, Katie, Catherine or Katherine can travel to London for £1 on Friday.

The Oxford Bus Company said anyone who can show proof of identity can travel to the capital to watch their namesakes at the Royal Wedding.

Vouchers must be picked up before hand from the firm’s travel shop on the third floor of Debenhams, in Magdalen Street.

lsloan@oxfordmail.co.uk l As part of our Royal Wedding coverage this week, a live blog will bring you updates throughout the week and on the big day itself. Click on oxfordmail.co.uk/news/royal_wedding