Glasgow experienced a remarkable tourism boom in 2023, driven by a combination of high-profile events, including a groundbreaking Banksy exhibition and the prestigious UCI Cycling World Championships. The Banksy Cut & Run exhibition, held at the Gallery of Modern Art, was the artist’s first solo show in 14 years, attracting an impressive crowd of over 180,000 visitors. Meanwhile, the UCI Cycling World Championships, a global sporting spectacle, drew in an even larger audience of more than 500,000 attendees, contributing significantly to the city’s tourism surge.
The impact of these events was undeniable, with visitor spending in Glasgow soaring to a record-breaking £2.35 billion in 2023—an astounding 48.6% increase from the previous year. The number of overnight visitors also experienced a dramatic rise, with 3.91 million people choosing to stay in the city, representing a 47.3% jump from 2022. Day visitor numbers saw a similar increase, climbing from 17.69 million in 2022 to 21.8 million in 2023.
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, emphasized the crucial role of major events in driving tourism, stating that both the Banksy exhibition and the cycling championships played a pivotal role in enhancing Glasgow’s reputation as a top tourism destination. In addition to these headline events, Glasgow hosted over 360 meetings and conferences, welcoming approximately 120,000 delegates. The city’s thriving tourism sector directly supports over 37,000 full-time jobs, underlining its vital role in the local economy.
Lynne Cooper, VisitScotland’s Regional Director, lauded the influx of international tourists and stressed the importance of continuous investment in events and attractions to maintain Glasgow’s growing popularity as a travel destination. Stuart Patrick, CEO of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, calling for further investment to solidify Glasgow’s position as a premier destination, offering a world-class visitor experience. The success of the Banksy exhibition and the UCI championships serves as a powerful testament to the vital role of cultural and sporting events in boosting tourism and generating economic benefits for the city.
