Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
This includes around 500,000 spectators and 8,000 athletes who came to the UCI Cycling World Championships, hosted by the city in August.
It also includes the more than 180,000 people who flocked to Banksy’s record-breaking Cut And Run exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, the street artist’s first solo exhibition in 14 years.
All visitors to Glasgow spent a total of £2.35 billion in 2023, an increase of 48.6% on the amount spent by visitors in 2022.
Tourism also supported 31,117 local full-time jobs in the city in 2023, compared to 28,840 the previous year, including in food and drink, transport, shopping and accommodation.
Susan Deighan, chief executive of Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow continues to grow as a successful and popular tourist destination.
“More people are choosing to visit Glasgow and experience all that our dynamic and vibrant city has to offer.
“Whether that’s world-class museums, our spectacular program of events and festivals, our thriving food and drink scene or concerts at one of the city’s iconic music venues.
“These figures also highlight the importance of hosting major events and attracting unique exhibitions to the city.
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“Visitor numbers and spend were significantly boosted by the hugely successful UCI Cycling World Championships and the unforgettable Banksy Cut & Run show at the Gallery of Modern Art.
“The data also highlights the vital role that tourism plays in Glasgow’s economy and how it benefits Glaswegians.”
The figures highlight an increase in the number of overnight visitors to the city, with 3.91 million staying for at least one night compared to 2.65 million in 2022, and staying an average of 2.5 nights.
Of these, 80% stayed in “serviced accommodation” such as hotels, apartments and bed and breakfasts, with room capacity in the city increasing by more than 1,500 over the past two years thanks to the opening of nine new hotels.
An increase was also seen in the number of day visitors, with 21.8 million people visiting for the day in 2023, compared to 17.69 million in 2022.
Lynne Cooper, VisitScotland regional director for Glasgow City Region said 2023 was a good year for overseas visitors.
“Last year was very positive for international visitors coming to Scotland,” he said.
“Our research shows that Glasgow attracts a large number of visitors from overseas markets, who stay longer and spend more.
“The fantastic range of museums and art galleries, buildings and architecture, heritage attractions, events, as well as food and drink experiences encourage new and returning visitors to the city.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said he was “particularly pleased with the increase in direct visitor spending”.
He added: “To capture this expenditure in full, we must offer visitors a world-class experience that presents our city in the best possible way.
“Achieving this requires continued investment and collaboration on initiatives that improve the city centre, making it a destination where people really want to spend their time.”
Andy Cliffe, chief executive of AGS Airports which owns and operates Glasgow airport, said: “Glasgow has a global reputation for successfully hosting major events, exhibitions and conferences.
“These figures not only reinforce the importance of ensuring such events continue; they clearly show their attraction to domestic and international visitors.
“It is very important that we build on this and further elevate Glasgow’s international standing, as doing so will play a key role in attracting airlines which in turn will bring more visitors to our city- region.”
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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