In 2018, Glasgow experienced a significant increase in tourism. Figures show that tourism to both Glasgow and Edinburgh increased by a fifth over the annual period. So, what’s driving so many additional tourists to this Scottish city and can it expect the same level of growth to continue?
The rise in Glasgow’s tourism
The latest figures show that Glasgow’s tourism increased by 20% in 2017. Not only is the city experiencing a boom in the number of visitors it receives, but it’s also seeing increased spending too. Its expenditure increased to a staggering £319 million. This meant that the city’s growth outperformed the average in Scotland.
The majority of tourists flocking to the city come from North America and Europe. It is starting to become a global city, attracting more tourists from North America than Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
What’s driving the boost in Glasgow tourism?
There are a number of reasons tourists are flocking to Glasgow. It is partially credited to a great digital marketing campaign, helping to show off the city and boost its reach. However, the biggest reason tourists are choosing this prominent city as their destination of choice, is because it has so much to see and do.
The city is renowned for its live music scene. It’s popular with both aspiring artists, as well as well known artists from across the world. The locals are exceptionally friendly, and there’s a huge range of free attractions on offer. The Riverside Museum, Botanics and the Doctor Who Tour are just some of the great free attractions in the area.
Staying in the city is also very affordable. As well as a great selection of luxury hotels, tourists can also stay in affordable yet luxurious serviced apartments Glasgow.
What does the future of Glasgow’s tourism look like?
Glasgow has already experienced a lot of growth in recent years, so what can we expect in the near future? Well, it’s unlikely the rise in tourism is going to slow down anytime soon.
The city has set a target to attract an additional one million tourists by the year 2023. It is thought this would deliver up to £771 million into the local economy, as well as introduce an additional 6,600 jobs.
To achieve this target, the city is focusing on its cultural appeal. This is what really makes Glasgow distinctive from the rest of the UK. It boasts the biggest retail centre, the biggest sports infrastructure and the largest cultural offering in the whole of the UK.
It’s not difficult to see why tourism is currently booming in Glasgow. With a vast array of attractions and activities, along with affordable prices and friendly locals, its tourism sector is flourishing and it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
