Planning for visitor boost

Strategy to attract people

A new strategy has been launched to bring more visitors to towns like Rutherglen and Cambuslang and increase the amount they spend.

The Lanarkshire Area Tourism Strategy aims to grow visitor spending by 2.5 per cent per year up to 2020.

It was developed by the Lanarkshire Area Tourism Partnership and is based on indepth research with private, public and third sector organisations.

Earlier this year the Reformer reported that the Visit Lanarkshire website lists Kirkhill, Cambuslang and Cathkin golf clubs as potential sporting attractions, along with Scotkart. Local businesses and Cambuslang Park are also held up as attractions.

Rutherglen Town Hall is included in the list of potential venues.

Mark Calpin, chair of the Lanarkshire Area Tourism Partnership, said: “Our 2.5 per cent year-on-year growth target is ambitious but achievable by 2020. We want to cement Lanarkshire’s reputation as a destination that offers excellent quality, value for money and accessibility for all.

“The tourism sector in Lanarkshire is already thriving, with every £ 1 invested returning around £56 to the local economy. We anticipate seeing this rate grow over the coming four years. The area enjoys some of the best food and drink, transport links, accommodation, heritage and businesses in the country.

“We can only achieve these targets with the ongoing support of the local authorities, businesses and tourism groups in the region. By pulling together in the same direction, we believe we can exceed our targets and help Lanarkshire’s tourism economy thrive.”

The strategy is aligned with the National Tourism Strategy, prepared by the Scottish Tourism Alliance, and is based on four themes: turning assets into quality experiences; improving the customer journey; increasing digital capabilities; and leadership and collaboration.

“Our approach to attracting tourism to Lanarkshire has already shown clear results, with visitor numbers up by more than 100,000 since 2012,” said Councillor Allan Graham, who represents North Lanarkshire Council on the partnership.

“There has also been a 12 per cent growth in tourism-related jobs in the same period and accommodation provision has increased by 12 per cent since 1999, to almost 8000 beds.

“Our new strategy will build on this success, helping to make Lanarkshire an attractive destination for visitors from other areas of Scotland and beyond.”

The trend of increasing visitor numbers is expected to continue with improvements to transport links. The £500 million roadworks on the M8, M73 and M74 will improve access from Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as journeys around Lanarkshire.

Visitor numbers up by more than 100,000