Paisley is on the up thanks to culture bid
Town’s 2021campaign boosts visitor numbers
Paisley may have missed out on the UK City of Culture 2021 title but Renfrewshire now has concrete proof that it was boosted by the two year-long campaign.
Visitor numbers jumped by a quarter last year after a relentless fight to clinch the cultural title.
An incredible 1.7 million people headed to Renfrewshire, increasing its visitors at a faster rate than other areas in the west of Scotland.
Paisley missed out on the title last week but the statistics contained within a new masterplan aimed at turning the area into one of Scotland’s key tourist destinations – show the positive impact the bid had.
Councillor Iain Nicolson, chair of Renfrewshire Council’s leadership board said: “Our disappointment at missing out on the UK City of Culture 2021 title was eased by the knowledge the area is in a stronger position for having the bid.
“The new Renfrewshire Visitor Plan shows work to build a new visitor economy is already well under way and gives a clear plan for how the public and private sectors can work together to build on that.”
The plan aims to bring an extra 590,000 day visitors to Renfrewshire by 2020.
Some of the achievements to come out of the campaign listed in a new report include:
A media reach of 277 million people;
More than 1.1 million people attending events or festivals in the area over the past five years; A 93 per cent satisfaction rate; £1.3 million pumped into the local economy and;
A new destination brand and website to be launched in early 2018.
Councillor Nicolson added: “There’s no question Paisley and Renfrewshire have had their challenges in recent years, but we can address that by promoting the things that set us apart to bring new footfall into our town centres.
“The Paisley 2021 bid was part of a wider plan to do that – the area’s profile has perhaps never been better, or higher, and awareness of our unique cultural and heritage assets has moved to new levels.
“The area was once the centre of a global industry and the legacy of that is still around us in our buildings and museum collections – while the outlying areas of Renfrewshire offer a wide range of historical gems and great outdoor days out.
“The bid has already delivered results.”
Paisley’s work has also been endorsed by the head of Scotland’s tourism authority.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland said: “While it is disappointing Paisley has not been named the 2021 UK City of Culture there is still much to be positive about.
“The bid has transformed Paisley’s reputation, and now Scotland, the UK and the world are all becoming more aware of its fantastic cultural offering.
“2017 saw the town host worldclass events like The Spree and Weave Festival, while we can look forward to The Royal National Mòd and the British Pipe Band Championships next year.
“I’d like to say a massive well done to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to showcase the town’s wonderful cultural offering.
“This is just the beginning of Paisley’s transformation and I look forward to the town’s continued development and all the wonderful events and activities that will come with it.”
This is just the beginning of Paisley’s transformation and continued development