Tourism opportunities Glasgow
In 2005 the city of Glasgow attracted 2.8 million visitors who generated £700 million for the local economy. Business tourism has seen the biggest growth. Convention sales reached £63.1 million for 2005/2006, up 8% on the previous year.
The target over the next 10 years is to achieve up to 80% growth in tourism business. In support of this there is a need to attract more hotels to the city.
Clyde Waterfront is also playing an important role in developing the tourism product. Key attractions already in the area are the SECC and Glasgow Science Centre.
The site is being prepared for the new Riverside Museum at Glasgow Harbour and this free attraction will be joined by a retail and leisure complex currently being planned by retail experts Peel Holdings. The Kelvingrove New Century project demonstrates Glasgow’s skills in developing major attractions. Within 6 months of re-opening, the museum and gallery had welcomed 2 million visitors.
At Braehead near Renfrew, Xscape opened in 2006 with the star attraction of an indoor real snow ski slope supported by climbing attractions, bowling, golf and football experiences plus restaurants, bars and shops.
In Clydebank the Titan Crane, one of five huge cranes on the Clyde, is being refurbished. Visitors will be able to walk along the jib and look out over the river.
Nearer the city centre The Quay leisure park has been expanding to include additional restaurants and a major casino.
There are many smaller opportunities with mixed-use developments including cafés, restaurants and bars. For example Quay India opened in 2005 as part of the Lancefield Quay residential development.