Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has called on the Scottish Government to develop a strategy to promote Perthshire & Kinross-shire communities ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow.
It is estimated that around 1 million spectators will attend the Commonwealth Games with the Games alone will attract athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories.
Visit Scotland has suggested that the arrival of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014 stands as a significant moment for Scotland and may act as a catalyst for increasing tourism and creating many social and economical benefits for the local and wider communities. Following on from London 2012 Olympic Games, the 2014 Games will be the finale of a number of events which make up VisitScotland’s ‘Winning Years’ campaign, which is seen as a once in a life time opportunity to change the face of tourism in Scotland. The Commonwealth Games will be a pinnacle point in the campaign, with 1 million tickets available for the event and 60,000 nights available in Glasgow and the surrounding area during the competition period.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“The Commonwealth Games present a great opportunity to showcase Scotland to the world and provide significant benefits to the tourism industry in Perthshire & Kinross-shire
“2013 has been a challenging year for Scotland’s tourism industry but we have seen positive progress and growth in the industry. It is therefore more vital than ever that we work to promote the region to as wide an audience as possible to help grow our local economy and create jobs and growth.
“In order to achieve this I hope that Perthshire & Kinross-shire will be given the additional promotion needed not only to promote the area but also to improve visitor facilities, tourism information centers, and tourist signage.
“Given that Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014 we will see a huge number of additional visitors to Scotland and this has the potential to provide a bumper year for the industry. It is vital that the Scottish Government and its partner agencies develop a strategy which will promote Perthshire & Kinross-shire communities to these visitors not just the central belt, and that steps are taken to encourage those attending the games to visit the area.”