SECC and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau to target US and European buyers

James Thornton, 14 January 2009

Venue and CVB aim to capitalise on weaker pound

Glasgow's SECC and CVB Glasgow City Marketing Bureau are targeting North American and European buyers as fluctuating exchange rates have made the destination a more cost effective inbound option.

"The devaluation of the pound has effectively made our venue 25% cheaper than two years ago, which for us presents an outstanding opportunity to seize and grow market share in the North American and European markets," said SECC sales director Ben Goedegebuure.

A marketing drive is currently being planned, thought to include a link-up with Visit Britain.

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau will also be working with the city's business tourism suppliers to exploit the opportunities created by the weaker pound. The organisation will also be increasing its own activity in Europe and North America, targeting associations and corporate buyers to capture market share.

"North America has always been an important market for the city, and there has never been a better time to buy Glasgow," said Molly Doheny, head of the convention bureau at Glasgow City Marketing.