TripAdvisor hails Glasgow as must-see tourist spot

WORLD-CLASS museums and some of the best shopping in the UK have helped make Glasgow one of Europe’s rising holiday destinations, according to a new survey.

Glasgow is the top UK destination “on the rise” according to the travel website TripAdvisor – which also reports a growing interest in holidays in Manchester, Belfast and Liverpool.

VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said: “Glasgow is a city we can truly be proud of and one which continues to help Scotland shine.

“The city absolutely deserves this sort of recognition and in the run-up to once-in-a-lifetime events like the Commonwealth Games in 2014, we’re working hard with partners and the tourism industry to make sure Glasgow’s place on the world map is more prominent than ever.”

Emma Shaw of TripAdvisor said: “Glasgow should be incredibly proud of the award – not only has traveller interest in the city increased, but it has also seen an increase in positive feedback on its hotels, restaurants and things to do.”

Denis MacCann, manager of Hotel Indigo and co-chair of the Greater Glasgow Hoteliers Association, said: “The city has completely regenerated over the last 20 years and has gone from a place associated with heavy industry to one seen as a place for service and design.

“It is a very well-recognised shopping destination and is now the No 2 shopping city in the UK.”

Tourism leaders say the rebranding of Buchanan Street as the Style Mile, programmes to improve the training of hotel and restaurant workers and the popularity of Glasgow as a conference destination have all helped sell its unique charms.