New city tourist centre is launched ahead of Games

Reporter

Monday 4 March 2013

A NEW tourist information centre is being opened in Glasgow's busiest shopping street ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

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Rachel Loxton

Scots athlete Lee McConnell, a Commonwealth silver medallist, is to join Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing and Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde today to officially open VisitScotland's new venture in the city's Buchanan Street.

It replaces the existing tourist information centre, which has been based in George Square for 16 years.

Bosses said the facility was moved and upgraded to get ready for the influx of visitors to Glasgow for the Games. It is expected that more than 6000 athletes and tourists will arrive in the city for the high-profile sporting event.Visitors to the centre, which has free wi-fi, will be able to use tablet devices to browse apps and websites. A shop in the centre will sell Glasgow 2014 merchandise.Mike Cantlay, chairman of the tourist promotion body, said the centre will help boost Scotland's profile by encouraging people to explore the country.He said: "As thousands of visitors descend on Scotland, we're preparing to give them a welcome they'll never forget. "Glasgow is a wonderful city and will be the perfect host for the Commonwealth Games, but we want to make sure that visitors spend time discovering more about the city and indeed the country when they have some time to spare between sporting fixtures. "The interactive nature of the centre will inspire people to get out there and explore, whether it's pulling on their walking boots to bag a Munro, or putting on their Sunday best for afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms."Buchanan Street is the busiest street in the UK after London's Oxford Street, with an annual footfall of around 91 million people.Liz Buchanan, regional director of VisitScotland, added: "Glaswegians are renowned as among the friendliest people in the world and have always been great ambassadors for the country."Our new flagship information centre in Buchanan Street is just as much for them as our visitors."We want to inspire everyone to holiday here for the Games, make the city come alive and deliver an unforgettable experience so we reap the benefits of the Games in the years beyond 2014."The launch of the new tourist spot marks the start of Scottish Tourism Week.

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New city tourist centre is launched ahead of Games

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