Press release -
Flying the flag for Scotland
Team Scotland gymnasts Rebecca Bee and Victoria Clow have teamed up with VisitScotland to launch a new temporary Information Centre which will help Commonwealth Games athletes make the most of their experience in Scotland.
As thousands of participants arrive in Glasgow, VisitScotland was joined by members of the Scottish squad to ensure both sides make a strong impression on the competition.
But while Team Scotland will be vying for a place on the podium, the national tourism organisation is hoping to help every athlete enjoy their time in the country.
As well as providing advice and information about what to see and do across the country, the centre, which is situated within the International Zone of the Athletes’ Village, will allow athletes, coaches, friends and family find out more about Scotland.
A total of 4,500 athletes and team officials, from 71 different nations and territories, will live in the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village for the duration of the competition.
It’s expected that for the majority this will be their first experience of Scotland, offering a fantastic opportunity to promote the country’s renowned tourism offering.
A recent survey of spectators found that as well as the internet and recommendations by friends and relatives, almost a fifth of visitors (18%) were likely to use a VisitScotland Information Centre to gather information, while visitor attractions (73%) and eating and drinking places (67%) were named as the things that people would most like to find out more about.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is renowned for its history, scenery and culture but also for its famous hospitality. We want to make sure that all visitors, including those competing, have a summer of brilliant moments when they are here. This means making sure they have access to all the advice and help they might need to make the most of their time in Scotland. Our staff will be on hand throughout the Games to provide up-to-date information on the fantastic things to see, do and visit in Scotland.”
Rebecca Bee, Gymnast with Team Scotland, said: "Scotland is such a beautiful country and it'd be great if athletes from around the Commonwealth can see some of it once they have finished competing."
Victoria Clow, Gymnast with Team Scotland, added: "Glasgow is my home town and I can't wait for the Games to get underway. The city has so much to offer and I hope everyone visiting over the next few weeks has an incredible time!"
ENDS
For more information, contact Louise Purves, VisitScotland press office: louise.purves@visitscotland.com or call 0131 472 2052
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- corporate communications
- glasgow 2014 commonwealth games
Regions
- Scotland
Notes to Editors:
- Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews
- VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.
- The organisation has three key roles:
- To market Scotland to all parts of the world to attract visitors
- To provide information – and inspiration – to visitors and potential visitors so they get the best out of a visit to Scotland
- To provide quality assurance to visitors and quality advice to the industry and partners to help the industry meet and strive to exceed customer expectations
- VisitScotland works together with tourism businesses to make tourism a success for everyone and ensure the industry continues to grow.
- The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
- 2014 is the year Scotland welcomes the world, when it hosts the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and more than 800 Homecoming events throughout the country.For more information on Homecoming Scotland 2014, go to www.visitscotland.com
- The VisitScotland Information Centre network is a unique face-to-face channel engaging with around five million visitors and locals each year. Everyone who uses a VisitScotland Information Centre goes on to spend an additional £5.35, generating over £24 million for Scotland’s economy.
- According to a recent Deloitte study, tourism employs 270,000 people in Scotland in 20,000 diverse businesses. The same study calculates that the industry contributes £11 billion annually (direct and indirect impact, including day visits) and supports around 10 per cent of employment in Scotland. Almost 16 million tourists take overnight trips to Scotland.
- Where possible, a Gaelic speaker will be made available for broadcast interviews on request (Far an tèid iarraidh, agus far am bheil sin nar comas, bruidhinnidh neach le Gàidhlig aig agallamh)
- For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
- For information about business tourism in Scotland go to www.conventionscotland.com
- For more information on VisitScotland’s annual review please go to www.visitscotland.org/about_us/our_focus/annual_report.aspx