Tourism and events industry to come together for the launch of Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy
Glasgow's tourism and events industry will meet for the official launch of the city’s refreshed tourism strategy.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 29 September 2023 9:03
Image Credit: Glasgow Life. All rights reserved
Representatives will gather at Trades House on Thursday 26 October, to learn more about the plan and how it will strengthen Glasgow as a tourist destination.
It will be the first time the industry has come together since the strategy was approved at Glasgow City Council’s City Administration Committee on Thursday 28 September.
Glasgow is a successful tourist destination, which attracted 2.65 million visitors in 2022 who stayed in the city as part of a holiday or short break.
They brought an associated spend to the city of £953 million and overnight visitors stayed for three nights on average. Additionally, the tourism sector also supports over 28,000 full-time jobs in Glasgow.*
The Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy outlines plans to grow the value of tourism in the city by delivering for visitors, businesses, communities, and the environment. The goal is for tourism to make an even stronger contribution to making Glasgow an attractive place for people to live in, invest in, study, meet, and visit.
Five strategic priorities have been established to meet Glasgow’s new tourism vision and ambitions, which are aligned with the national tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030.
These priorities are:
1. Increase the value of tourism to Glasgow’s economy.
2. Enhance the experiences that we offer.
3. Create value for Glasgow’s people through the tourism sector.
4. Support vibrant places across the city and surrounding region.
5. Deliver tourism in a sustainable and inclusive way.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Tourism plays a vital role in Glasgow’s economy and helps to showcase the city as a vibrant and dynamic destination. Our refreshed strategy will make sure tourism benefits and creates value for Glaswegians. Whether that’s helping develop careers in the visitor economy, improving people’s skills through volunteering at major events or simply providing the opportunity for people to enjoy the city’s cultural life.
“The strategy also focuses on enhancing the incredible experiences our city has to offer to give visitors and locals reasons to keep returning to Glasgow. This means continuing to invest in and improve our wonderful attractions and globally recognised programme of year-round events and festivals.
“Sustainability and inclusivity are increasingly important for people when choosing where to travel for both business and leisure. Glasgow is already a leading sustainable tourism and conference destination and is ranked 6th in the world and 1st in the UK on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Our strategy will build on this by supporting the industry to build a sustainable tourism sector and championing green change.”
Glasgow is a contemporary and affordable city, which is attractive for today’s millennial traveller. It is also a first-choice destination for more than two million tourists annually.
As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow has a wide variety of iconic music venues which welcome globally renowned artists throughout the year. This includes the OVO Hydro, Barrowland Ballroom and King Tuts. It is also known for its bustling nightlife and selection of nightclubs.
The city has an enviable calendar of festivals and major concerts, from Celtic Connections and the World Pipe Band Championships to Glasgow Mela and TRNSMT. Glasgow has delivered numerous major events, most recently the inaugural 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships.
It is home to world-class museums, galleries and attractions and a rich architectural heritage. Moreover, there is a thriving and diverse food and drink scene as well as a range of quality accommodations.
Bailie Christie added: “Glasgow’s growing range of hotels and good transport links make it the perfect base to explore the city and surrounding areas. Our refreshed tourism plan will build on this and support continued investment in key assets such as the SEC and Glasgow Airport. We will also work with local businesses and communities to improve the appeal of the city centre and other neighbourhoods across Glasgow.”
Glasgow Life has developed the refreshed tourism strategy in collaboration with VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council and representatives from across Glasgow’s tourism business community, including Glasgow Airport.
VisitScotland’s Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead is part of the Glasgow Tourism Partnership leadership group and said: “This summer, with the Banksy show attracting record numbers and the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds wowing crowds across the city, Glasgow has yet again made headlines around the world, both as a leading cultural destination and as an expert host of major international events.
“By embracing responsible tourism, this new strategy to 2030 sets out a blueprint to build on such successes and continue to bring far-reaching benefits for our visitors, businesses and the residents of neighbourhoods across Glasgow.
“We will be working alongside our partners and the industry in Glasgow to help deliver the new strategy, so that tourism continues to be a force for good, creating jobs and enriching the city’s communities.”
Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at AGS Airports which operates Glasgow Airport, said: “Strong air connectivity and a successful tourism sector go hand-in-hand, so it is welcome to see support for the airport highlighted as a priority within this strategy. As Scotland’s largest city with a proud cultural heritage and an enviable list of world class attractions, Glasgow has so much to offer. This strategy sets out a clear framework to bring the public and private sector together to enhance our city’s profile, attract more domestic and international visitors and in doing so, ensure local people can share in the economic and social benefits that tourism undoubtedly delivers.”
Glasgow is recognised as having the UK’s best Convention Bureau, as voted for by clients, responsible for securing major domestic and international conference business by working with partners such as the SEC, the city’s hotel sector and universities.
In 2017, it also became the first-ever convention bureau to win a Green Tourism Award. The tourism strategy will integrate the actions set out in the Sustainable Tourism and Conventions Action Plan. This emphasises Glasgow’s commitment to becoming one of Europe’s most sustainable cities.
The convention bureau has also partnered with AccessAble and the Royal College of Nursing to launch the city's first access guide for delegates. The online resource gives conference attendees, with access requirements, detailed information on over 60 venues and services across the city.
The strategy will build on the success of the previous Glasgow Tourism and Visitor Plan 2017-23 and continue to strengthen our attractiveness in the years to come as a culturally rich city with an unrivalled visitor experience.
You can read the full Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy by visiting glasgowtourismandvisitorplan.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
ICW Says Goodbye to the Home of Scottish Wrestling
ICW will bid farewell to the Asylum with emotional weekend of events next month.
READ MORE
One man show brings all the emotions to the Tron Theatre... as well as dogs!
Man's Best Friend brings Douglas Maxwell's award-winning combination of humour, emotion – and for the first time, dogs to the Tron Theatre!
READ MORE
Meatopia gives Glasgow a taste of what is to come and reveals full chef, and music, line up
Legendary fire-cooking festival Meatopia is coming to Scotland for the first time, taking over SWG3 Glasgow from 6th – 8th June.
READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK
IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MORE
Glasgow reports record breaking year for conference business
Glasgow's reputation as a leading national and international destination for conferences has been cemented by the latest statistics on the value of this important part of the city's economy.
READ MORE
Full casting announced for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, coming to Glasgow in June
The King's Theatre Glasgow are pleased to share full casting of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the publication of C.S. Lewis novel.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
Scottish TV Chef celebrates book launch with Glasgow pop up
Glasgow's cult fried chicken spot, Birds at Phillies of Shawlands, is proud to announce its first-ever collaboration and it's a special one.
READ MORE
Scottish rising star Brooke Combe announced as Lionel Richie tour support
Lionel Richie is proud to announce rising star Brooke Combe will be supporting him on the UK leg of his 'Say Hello To The Hits' tour, including at Glasgow's OVO Hydro.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Olivier Award nominated star announced as part of cast of The Bodyguard
Award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard will star international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer when it comes to Glasgow!
READ MORE
Charity Super.Mkt marks 1 year milestone with longest serving location in Glasgow
The 'department store for second-hand style', Charity Super.Mkt, in Buchanan Galleries is celebrating one year this May, proudly marking its longest-running store to date.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Comedy giants get The Last Laugh in new show coming to Glasgow following EdFringe and West End runs
The Last Laugh will arrive at Glasgow's Theatre Royal this summer following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Daniel Casey to star as Inspector Barnaby in Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders
Original cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORE
Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location
Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!
Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links