Holiday in Glasgow plea as visitors told city is open

A campaign urging Glaswegians to explore their own city is to expand its reach and target short-break visitors.

The city council’s culture and leisure arm, Glasgow Life, has been encouraging residents and day visitors to support local businesses and attractions as they reopen post-lockdown.

The ‘Glasgow is Open’ launch film has already been viewed by more than 55,000 people, while a series of features and blogs have been shared across PeopleMakeGlasgow channels.

With the Scottish Government now relaxing travel restrictions, people outside the Greater Glasgow area and short-break visitors are to be targeted in the next phase of the marketing campaign.

David McDonald, chairman of Glasgow Life and depute leader of the city council, said: “It is wonderful to see locals and day visitors once again enjoying Glasgow’s shops, restaurants, bars and attractions as well as the huge efforts made by businesses in the city centre and across Glasgow’s neighbourhoods to ensure everyone has a safe and welcoming experience.”

Residents are being pushed to return to the city’s shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, parks and attractions.

Shopping guides, tips on how to be a tourist at home and partnership blogs with City Sightseeing Glasgow and Walking Tours in Glasgow, which are both operating again, are being shared.

Sharon Morrison, communications director at City Sightseeing Glasgow and a member of the Glasgow Tourism and Events Response Group (GTERG), said: “We are thrilled to be back and once again taking customers around our wonderful city and its unique attractions.”

Story by local democracy reporter Drew Sandelands