Press release -
Games set to bring tourism gold to Glasgow
The XX Commonwealth Games will provide a significant tourism boost to Glasgow, drawing thousands of new visitors to the city and Scotland, new research has suggested.
A survey of almost10,000 spectators has found that a fifth (20%) of people attending the Games have never been to Glasgow, while over half (54%)of ticket-holders admit to knowing little to nothing about the host city.
Conducted by Glasgow 2014, the survey asked those who have purchased tickets to the Games about their travel, accommodation and visitor plans.
It found that the vast majority of spectators were attending from outside of Glasgow, with over half of people (56%) either staying at their homes or in accommodation outside of the city.
The survey also revealed that 90% of visitors will research their itinerary before the Games, using the internet, word of mouth or VisitScotland Information Centres to plan their trip.
Nearly half (46%) of all visitors to Glasgow intend to make their stay a short break of two to four nights, while almost 30% said they will stay five or more nights.
David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said: "The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is the biggest sporting and cultural event ever to come to Scotland and will put the city and the country on the world stage.
"Our survey demonstrates the potential benefits for tourism, not only in Glasgow, but across Scotland, with many visitors indicating a desire to extend their stay beyond the Games.
“By working together to ensure we can deliver an outstanding Games experience for everyone to enjoy, we can secure lasting benefits for Glasgow and Scotland.”
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games offers an unprecedented opportunity for tourism. It is Glasgow and Scotland’s chance to shine on the world stage like never before.
“We look forward to helping spectators make the most of their time in Glasgow and further afield, offering them advice and information on all the fascinating things to see and do during their time here.
“It’s great to see that so many visitors are also taking the time to explore other parts of the country too. From the rich history of Edinburgh and Stirling, to the breath-taking beauty of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland has something to suit all tastes.”
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “There will never be a greater platform through which to showcase Glasgow’s sporting, cultural and event credentials to a global audience and to position the city as one of the world’s leading visitor destinations than the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“Glasgow is renowned worldwide for its friendly welcome and the people of Glasgow will ensure that the hundreds of thousands of visitors who arrive for the Games this summer enjoy an unforgettable experience – one which will inspire them to want to return time and again.
“This survey also shows the scale of opportunity that exists for Glasgow’s tourism sector and businesses across the city to really make the most of the Games.”
As well as sampling Glasgow’s tourism offerings, one in ten spectators (10%) have decided to combine attending the Games with a longer trip to Scotland meaning that other parts of the country could also look forward to more visitors.
Edinburgh was named as the place most people would consider/intend to visit with 40% expressing an interest in the Capital. Almost a third (31%) said they would travel north to the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, whilst a quarter (25%) and a fifth (19%) preferred to stay closer to Glasgow travelling to Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and the wider Glasgow area.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Louise Purves
Corporate Press Officer
Tel: 0131 472 2052
Louise.purves@visitscotland.com
Out of hours media enquiries: 07699 766986
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.
- For VisitScotland’s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/
- 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
