Oxford: a heritage city under pressure

Abstract

Europe's heritage cities are under increasing pressure from visitor numbers. With the increase in tourism in absolute terms and with some shift from sand, sun and sea holidays to more cultural holidays, this pressure is likely to become even more intense. Oxford, a major centre for national and international visitors, has recently been the subject of a major Visitor Study. This article provides an overview of characteristics of visitors to Oxford, their impacts and the management responses to date. The article highlights the varying perspectives and dimensions to impacts and to the visitor capacity of the city.