Glasgow Launches Tourism Strategy for Next Decade

Glasgow has launched its ambitious plans for a decade-long development of its tourist industry to continue its success as a world-class city and destination, and bring £1billion to its economy every year.

 

Glasgow’s Tourism Strategy sets out a clear direction for the city’s tourism industry that will bring an expected four million visitors a year to Glasgow by 2016.  With global tourism expected to grow at 4% a year, this would mean the sector would generate £1 billion in annual revenue for the city.

 

Councillor Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “The tourist industry has played an important role in the regeneration of Glasgow over the past two decades, and this strategy will help take the city's performance to another level over the next ten years by continuing to grow the city's international profile.  The industry already supports a significant number of jobs, with as many people working in the tourism industry in Glasgow, as in the financial, health and retail sectors.  The strategy identifies the key elements necessary for growing the city's tourism profile and employment base for future, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure Glasgow maintains a prominent place in the global marketplace.”

 

The projected growth in tourism is expected to bring another 9,000 tourism-related jobs to Glasgow and create demand for a further 3,000 hotel beds in the city.

 

Development of Glasgow’s Tourism Strategy has been led, in partnership with the private sector, by the four main agencies in Glasgow with a remit for tourism development - Glasgow City Council, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and VisitScotland.

 

Glasgow’s tourism industry has played a significant role in the city’s economic growth.  Through the success of landmark events such as 1990 European City of Culture, 1999 UK City of Architecture and Design, the reopening of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, UEFA Cup and Champions League Finals along with massive investment in new infrastructure, improved connections from mainland Europe and international cities, Glasgow has become a highly regarded and desirable place to visit.

 

And now, with the infrastructure developments currently in the pipeline and a more strategic focus, Glasgow has the capability and energy to deliver a true step change in tourism performance by 2016.

 

During the lifetime of the Tourism Strategy, Glasgow aims to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014, open the new Riverside Museum and SECC Arena, and deliver a major events strategy. 

 

Glasgow will meet aspirations by delivering a quality tourist experience characterised by:

 

• Must-see attractions;
• World class infrastructure;
• Seamless transport connectivity;
• Events of international significance; supported by
• First class service from a well-trained workforce; and
• A clean, well-maintained and sustainable public realm

 

In addition, further investment in the brand Glasgow: Scotland with style will reinforce Glasgow’s reputation as a unique visitor and conference location.

 

Tom McWilliam, VisitScotland area director for Glasgow, said: “We’ve set Glasgow a real challenge over the next decade, a tougher growth target than Scotland as a whole. That’s because Glasgow has the capacity, the infrastructure and the shared ambition to make that growth a reality.  We’re looking forward to playing our part in achieving these targets, which will require a concerted effort from the city’s entire tourism industry.  This document shows that tourism is everyone’s business, and as such, it is Glasgow’s blueprint for success.”

 

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Dr Lesley Sawers, said: “This new strategy gives us a clear route to achieving Glasgow’s ambitious tourism targets.

 

“Glasgow is already recognised by leading international travel guides as a must see destination, and through the successful efforts of Business, agencies such as VisitScotland and significant investment by the City in the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, our tourist and leisure market goes from strength to strength driven by the Glasgow: Scotland with style brand.”

 

Stuart Patrick, Operations Director of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, said: "Glasgow's economic transformation over the past few years puts it in a leading position to capture a bigger share of the lucrative business conference market. This strategy will help us realise the benefits this could bring."

 

 

Issued by and further information from:

 

Paul Kane, Media Officer

Glasgow City Council