Award-winning Glasgow named top tourist destination

Glasgow has been named Europe's Leading Festival and Event Destination 2019 at the World Travel Awards.

The award comes after the Scottish city hosted a multitude of global events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2018 European Championships, Glasgow Film Festival and the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art. 

The 26th annual World Travel Awards saw Glasgow beat cities like London, Barcelona and Dublin to claim the top spot for world-class events.

Votes were cast by professionals from the travel and tourism industry, as well as consumers, to establish the winner in each category. 

More than 50,000 people visited Glasgow during the 2018 European Championships alone.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “I’m delighted that Glasgow has been awarded the accolade of Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2019 at the World Travel Awards.

"From major sporting events to cultural festivals, Glasgow has continued to deliver events and festivals of great international significance, receiving the recognition of the industry worldwide.

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all those who have planned, delivered and helped secure such high-profile events for Glasgow, ensuring Scotland maintains its enviable reputation as the perfect stage for events.”

Cultural events held in Glasgow also contributed to the city winning the accolade.

Celtic Connections music festival was a huge date in the city's events calendar last year, while Glasgow Mela saw 45,000 flock to Kelvingrove Park.

Other events held every year in Glasgow include the Merchant City Festival, Piping Live!, Glasgow International Comedy Festival and the World Pipe Band Championships.

Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life, added: “Our city is among the finest in Europe and, indeed, the world, and it’s brilliant to see that reputation being honoured by such a prestigious programme as the World Travel Awards.

“To be the first winners of the Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination award is something we are very proud of – but we will continue to work hard and build on our previous successes to ensure Glasgow maintains its global reputation for hosting world-class events and festivals.”