Commonwealth Games leaves lasting legacy for Scotland
Last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was a “game-changer” for Scottish tourism which has left a lasting legacy across the country.
The ‘An Evaluation of Legacy from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: Post-Games Report’, which was published by the Scottish Government last month – a year after the Games in Glasgow, concluded that the event brought “significant” economic, sporting and cultural benefits to Scotland.
Almost 700,000 ‘unique visitors’ came to Scotland because of the Games, according to the study, while a global audience of 1.5 billion – including more than 35 million in the UK – is estimated to have watched the event.
Scotland’s reputation as a tourist destination is said to have improved on the back of Glasgow 2014, increasing in overall score and rank, while international awareness of Scotland rose from 62% in 2012 to 65% in 2014 – the first time there has been an improvement in the Scottish data since it was first collected in 2008.
The report also revealed almost a third of visitors who had not been to Glasgow before stated that they “would definitely return” in the next five years.
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said the event was a “game-changer in what was a golden year for Scottish tourism”.
“It was a chance to show the world that Scotland has the culture, food and drink, landscapes and welcoming people to be a serious contender when it comes to top tourism destinations,” he said.
“This year, Scotland’s tourism industry is building on the energy and excitement of 2014, using strengths, such as our food and drink and quality visitor experiences, to take Scotland to the world and enhance our reputation as a must-visit, must-return destination.”
