Bicester Village, which attracts more than seven million visitors annually, has described the scheme as "absolutely critical" to boost future tourism growth. John Durnin, group retail director at Bicester Village, said: "East West Rail is absolutely critical for us to be able to build on what we have already generated. "We're excited that East West Rail will bring increased footfall into Oxford and Oxfordshire, supporting local visitor economy businesses and bringing growth into the region." David Hughes, chief executive of East West Railway (Image: EWR)Once the whole route to Cambridge is opened up, EWR will link with five major rail routes: the Midland Main Line, West Coast Main Line, East Coast Main Line, West Anglia Main Line, and connections to the Great Western Railway. David Hughes, chief executive of East West Railway company, said: "East West Rail will improve connectivity and drive economic growth, enabling people to travel easily and sustainably to the wide variety of tourist destinations along the route, from both nearby locations and further afield.