Visitors spent 50% more in 2023 than they did in 2022 because of big events like the UCI Cycling World Championships
Author: Alice FaulknerPublished 25th Sep 2024
Big events like the UCI Cycling World Championships and the Banksy exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) enticed visitors to spend around £2.35 billion in Glasgow in 2023.
Scottish Tourism Economic Impact Model (STEAM) data for 2023 also shows a huge rise in overnight visitors to the city – leading to a spend of almost 50% (48.6%) more than in 2022.
A total of 3.91 million visitors stayed in Glasgow overnight, up from 2.65 million the previous year. This is a 47.3% increase, with people staying 2.5 nights on average.
Day visitor numbers are also up from 17.69 million in 2022 to 21.8 million. The total number of people visiting Glasgow increased by 26.6% to 25.75 million in 2023.
37,117 jobs supported by tourism
The figures emphasise the positive impact tourism continues to have on Glasgow’s economy. In 2023, tourism supported 37,117 local full-time jobs, up from 28,840 in 2022.
The supported jobs are across a range of areas, including food and drink, transport, shopping, and accommodation.
Visitor numbers and spending have been significantly boosted by Glasgow hosting the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships. The event attracted over 500,000 spectators and 8,000 athletes to the city.
People from all over the world also travelled to Glasgow to experience street artist Banksy’s first solo exhibition in 14 years.
More than 180,000 people visited Cut & Run at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, which broke box office records.
‘Dynamic and vibrant city’
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow continues to grow as a successful and popular tourism destination.
“More people are choosing to visit Glasgow and experience everything our dynamic and vibrant city has to offer.
“Whether that is our world-class museums, our spectacular programme 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.
“Visitor numbers and spending were boosted significantly by the hugely successful UCI Cycling World Championships and the unforgettable Banksy Cut & Run show at the Gallery of Modern Art.
“The data also emphasises the vital role tourism plays in Glasgow’s economy and how it benefits Glaswegians.”
‘Growing appeal’
Stuart Patrick, CEO, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is encouraging to see data that highlights the growing appeal of our city to visitors.
“We are particularly pleased by the increase in direct visitor spending, as this is the driving force behind tourism in Glasgow, supporting both job creation and our economy.
“To fully capture this spend, we must offer a world-class visitor experience that presents our city in the best possible way.
“Achieving this requires continued investment and collaboration on initiatives that enhance the city centre, making it a destination where people truly want to spend their time.”
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