Tourism and events

Those relocating to Glasgow will find Scotland's largest city is a place where business, sport and international culture flourishes. From Scottish Ballet to avant-garde dance, Scottish Opera to rock concerts, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama to some of the finest collections of civic art in Europe at the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow and the West has it all.

In 2009, Lonely Planet ranked Glasgow among the world's top ten must-see cities.  The city attracts nearly 2.3m visitors per year who come to experience its wide range of attractions, year-round events and strong retail offer.  Glasgow has also been particularly successful in the business tourism market.  It is the UK's international conference capital, attracting more international delegates in 2008/09 than any other British city.

Scotland with Style

The key to the city's success is its brand Glasgow: Scotland with Style, which projects Glasgow onto the world stage and the unique One Glasgow approach that engages with key agencies within the city and at national level.

  • Host of Commonwealth Games 2014
  • 20 world-class museums and art galleries, most free
  • Kelvingrove Art Galley, Scotland's most visited tourist attraction
  • Best retail centre in the UK outside London's West End
  • Glasgow SECC - Winner of "Best UK Convention Centre" 2009 (second consecutive year) and Silver Medal winner in 2010
  • Glasgow - Best UK Convention Bureau Award 2010(fourth consecutive year)
  • Glasgow UK's International Conference Capital 2008/09
  • Glasgow - 3rd most attractive overseas tourist and UK short break destination
  • Iconic Riverside Museum development to open in 2011

The Glasgow City Centre Action Plan recognises the critical role of the city centre as the principal focus for economic and employment growth, commercial services, retail, education and tourism.  It identifies a range of actions covering development, access, management and promotion.  For more information on the Plan and other City Centre Initiatives visit: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Business/CityCentre/