In response to the current economic climate, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau has unveiled a value-added initiative from leading city hotels that will make Glasgow an even more attractive and competitive destination for conferences.
Under the new initiative, major hotels will provide to new residential conferences of more than 250 delegates throughout 2009:
• A free traditional ‘Burns Supper’ course of haggis, neeps, tatties and whisky accompanied by a piper – as part of a dinner booking for more than 250 delegates - to mark the Homecoming celebrations, which commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns.
In addition and throughout 2009 and 2010, new residential conferences of any size will be offered:
• a free drink for each delegate, from a choice of wine, beer, whisky or softs
• free accommodation for the partners of delegates.
Furthermore, the decrease in the value of Sterling against the Dollar and the Euro means that Glasgow is now around 25% cheaper for US and European buyers than it was two years ago.
Molly Doheny, Head of the Convention Bureau at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Conferences are extremely important to Glasgow and this package of value-added measures demonstrates the willingness across the city’s hotel community to keep Glasgow competitive.”
“Our ‘Team Glasgow’ approach – honed in our bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games - will stand us in very good stead in the current climate. The private/public sector working in the city is quite exceptional and I am confident that there are more joint initiatives to come.”
Mark Gallagher, co-chair of Greater Glasgow Hotels Association, added: “We recognise everyone is feeling the pinch, so we are delighted to offer these additional benefits to enhance Glasgow’s attractiveness.
“Glasgow is effectively 25% cheaper for European and North American buyers than it was two years ago. There has never been a better time for conferences to come to Glasgow – and with a packed programme of Homecoming events running throughout the year, delegates will also have plenty of opportunities to experience the magic of Robert Burns outside the conference hall.”
In 2014, Glasgow is hosting the Commonwealth Games. It will be the biggest event the city has ever held, resulting in a massive investment that is part of the continued economic renaissance of Glasgow.
Major international hotel chains such as Jumeirah and Jurys Inns have already given the city a vote of confidence by recently announcing they are building in Glasgow – and a total of 12 new hotels are in the pipeline.
Delegates convening in Glasgow in 2009 meanwhile can enjoy the special programme of events taking place in the city as part of the Homecoming celebrations including:
• Inspired (4 April – 20 September): An exhibition of contemporary art inspired by the life and works of Robert Burns, which will include work by Tracey Emin, Peter Howson and Douglas Gordon.
• Piping Live! Music of the Clans (10 – 16 August): A global celebration of the diversity of piping music.
• World Pipe Band Championships (15 August): More than 8,000 pipers and drummers from across the globe will compete for the coveted title of World Champions 2009.
• Homecoming Live (28 November): Homecoming Live will be a sensational finale to the year and the jewel in the crown of the St Andrew’s Day celebratory weekend.
For more information, visit Glasgow City Marketing Bureau
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