We are delighted to welcome Luke Marion, Managing Director of Go Thames Valley at The Go-Ahead Group, to the Experience Oxfordshire Board of Directors and Trustees.
Luke’s appointment brings significant transport, tourism and business operations experience to our Board at an important time for Oxfordshire’s visitor economy. As the county’s VisitEngland-accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership and Destination Management Organisation, we work with partners across the region to support productive and sustainable growth.
Transport plays a central role in the visitor economy. It shapes how people access destinations, move between attractions, connect with local businesses and experience a place. Luke’s knowledge of bus, coach and sightseeing operations will add valuable insight as we continue to support partners across Oxfordshire and work towards a stronger, better-connected destination.
A Strong Record Across Oxfordshire’s Transport Sector
Luke joined Oxford Bus Company as Finance Director in 2012 and became Managing Director in 2022. During that time, he has overseen major business development and diversification across the organisation.
This has included the acquisitions of Oxford City Sightseeing, Pulhams and Pearces Coaches, strengthening the company’s role across local transport, visitor movement and sightseeing services. He also led the opening of the Oxford Visitor Information Point on the High Street in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a clear commitment to supporting the visitor economy during one of its most difficult periods.
Today, the business includes Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pulhams, Pearces Coaches and City Sightseeing Oxford, all operating under the Go Thames Valley brand and owned by The Go-Ahead Group.
Luke is also a Board member of the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership, adding further relevance to his appointment as we continue to consider the role of transport in destination management and regional visitor growth.
Supporting Sustainable Visitor Economy Growth
Sustainability is a key area of focus for Experience Oxfordshire and for many of our partners. Luke’s experience in this area will be particularly valuable to the Board.
He served as a Board Director of the Oxfordshire Low Carbon Hub between 2015 and 2023 and has more recently been involved in work to decarbonise Oxfordshire’s bus fleet, including the introduction of more than 100 electric buses.
This experience aligns closely with the needs of the visitor economy. Destinations must consider how visitors arrive, how they move around, and how travel choices affect residents, businesses and the environment. Stronger public transport links and lower-carbon mobility options can help support destination access while contributing to long-term sustainability goals.
A Voluntary Role Supporting Oxfordshire’s Visitor Economy
Our Board Directors and Trustees are drawn from across the local business community and contribute their time and expertise on a voluntary basis. Their support helps Experience Oxfordshire continue its role as the county’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership and leading Destination Management Organisation.
Stuart Crook, Chair of Experience Oxfordshire, has welcomed Luke’s appointment, noting the strong contribution he and his business have already made to Oxfordshire’s visitor economy. Luke’s experience in diversification, sustainable travel and visitor-facing transport operations will add further depth to the Board’s collective knowledge.
Luke was formally appointed in July 2026. His appointment builds on an existing relationship between Experience Oxfordshire and Oxford Bus Company, which has been a founding Ambassador partner of the organisation.
We look forward to working with Luke as we continue to support our partners, strengthen collaboration and help grow a productive, sustainable and well-managed visitor economy across Oxfordshire.
