A SUMMERTOWN hotel is set to expand as Oxford’s tourism industry gets set to have an “even stronger” year.

The Galaxie Hotel, on Banbury Road, has put in a planning application for four extra bedrooms.

It has been described as a “good sign” with hopes the city could see more hotels follow suit.

Giles Ingram, chief executive of Experience Oxfordshire, said: “This is absolutely a good sign.

“All of the hotels I’m speaking with are saying they are having a very good year that’s even stronger than last year.

“Finding every opportunity to meet demand, like the Galaxie Hotel has done, is very sensible.”

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The hotel’s expansion is just one symptom of Oxford’s growing tourism industry.

Earlier this year a survey by travel website TripAdvisor said Oxford was the fourth most expensive UK city for a weekend away.

One of the reasons given was the shortage of hotel rooms.

Mr Ingram added: “The [city council] looks favourably on applications. I’m optimistic we’ll see even more improvement in the city.”

The Galaxie Hotel wants a two-storey side extension to the south of the building and another storey added on at the front and back of the hotel.

The application, which will be considered by Oxford City Council planners, also looks to improve the hotel’s disabled access by installing a new ramped front entrance and a ground-floor bedroom.

People can comment on the application until November 15 at public.oxford.gov.uk

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