Tourism plan centring on sport continues to boost Glasgow’s profile
THAT the 2014 Commonwealth Games succeeded in its goal of boosting the economy and bringing jobs to the city can be seen in the latest Travel Trends data from the ONS, which show visits and spending by international tourists at an all-time high – up 20 per cent in volume and 30% in spend.
Glasgow’s tourism action plan targets an extra million visitors by 2023, bringing thousands of jobs, while sport continued to deliver economic benefits via the just-ended 2018 European Championships.
The Championships brought more than 8,000 athletes, officials and media to the city, supported by a £750,000 cultural programme. It’s estimated over a million people engaged directly in the sport and cultural events while up to a billion accessed their broadcast.
Viewing figures were especially strong in Germany and France, Glasgow’s two largest continental markets and key targets of growth for the city and Scotland in terms of trade, investment and tourism.
So, staging Glasgow 2018 has undoubtedly given another boost to the city’s global profile as a visitor destination, with almost 30,000 people now employed in tourism and related industries.
Businesses outside the tourism and hospitality sectors also benefited from Glasgow 2018 organisers working with the Supplier Development Programme to maximise procurement opportunities for Scottish companies. Pending final numbers, we’re confident local businesses have gained from Scotland’s biggest event since 2014.
We’re also pleased Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Berlin Chamber of Commerce is bearing fruit and has focused on growing trading relationships in the years to come with our 2018 Games co-host.
Trade visits have promoted Made in Glasgow products. One of our members, luxury candle makers Gold Hart, already has a deal from the first trade mission with upmarket Berlin menswear store, Chelsea Farmers Club. There is more good news to come from these business missions. A pop-up shop and exhibition in the Merchant City, again called Made in Glasgow, showcased local designers and sold out many of their goods.
So Glasgow 2018 has been a success, but we mustn’t rest on our laurels. There’s much more to be done to keep the city’s stock high and move towards that one million extra overseas tourists target.