Glasgow revealed as the Scottish region that holiday goers feel most excited in
New research from VisitScotland reveals that Glasgow is the most exciting place in Scotland for tourists!
Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 9 November 2022 12:11
As part of their Scotland is Calling campaign, the national tourism organisation set out to uncover how holiday-goers from across the UK feel about their adventures in Scotland, looking to pinpoint the emotions felt most in each region.
The survey revealed that ‘happiness’ is the strongest emotion felt by those taking a break in Scotland, with 1 in 5 (18%) people saying this across the country and over one in five (22%) saying this about Glasgow specifically.
However, although ‘excited’ was the second-most felt emotion by visitors to Glasgow, the city still comes out on top as the region holiday-goers are most likely to say they felt excited in, with over 1 in 6 (16%) people who selected Glasgow saying this!
The most popular way to visit Glasgow is with family members, with over a quarter (28%) of people saying this.
Interestingly, out of all the UK’s regions, Londoners are the most likely to feel adventurous when they came to Scotland, feeling this especially in Glasgow.
The World’s Friendliest City
Just earlier this year, Glasgow was named by Time Out as the world’s friendliest city, and it seems the respondents of VisitScotland’s research agree. One tourist said that Glasgow was their favourite city in Scotland because, “it has the best people, fabulous architecture and great energy.”
Whilst another paid homage to Glasgow’s UNESCO City of Music status: “Glasgow is my absolute favourite city. I love the music and the liveliness of the place all year round.”
As did another, saying that Glasgow was their favourite place because of its: “great arts and entertainment scene.”
Other previous research from Cambridge University found Scottish people to be the friendliest in the UK and it seems holiday-goers agree.
VisitScotland asked people to agree with statements they felt best described Scottish people and 90% of the statements selected were positive. Statements include “Scottish people always make them feel welcome”, “Scottish people play an integral part in what makes their Scottish holiday experiences more enjoyable” and, “Scottish people always make me feel accepted”.
What’s more, 94% of respondents said that they always have a positive experience when they visit Scotland and another 9 in 10 people (92%) say that their experiences and memories of visiting Scotland make them want to return to their ‘special locations’.
Why do we hold emotions to places?
Pinpointing emotions and memories to specific places isn’t something new; it’s a psychological concept known as “place attachment” and explores the bond between person and place. After ‘happiness’ (22%) and ‘excited’ (16%), the third most felt emotion by tourists in Glasgow was ‘adventurous’ (11%).
That might come as no surprise considering the word Glasgow, translated in Gaelic, quite literally means ‘Dear Green Place’. Glasgow is known for its balanced cosmopolitan culture and being full of things for everyone to enjoy.
Dr Carlos Galan-Diaz, an environmental psychologist at the University of St Andrews explains: “It is consistently proven that human emotions are present in every aspect of our lives, including where we choose to live or visit for a holiday.
“Our time spent in these places has consequences on our feelings from the moment we visit. It can be as simple as being in your favourite place and feeling a sense of happiness immediately, or it can be as long-lasting as our 'moods'—for example, the satisfied feeling continuing when you get home from your favourite place.
“As humans, we have tendencies to bond with and be surrounded by other living things, and our favourite places can help to restore our bodies and minds.”
Vicki Miller, Director of Marketing and Digital at VisitScotland comments: “This new research uncovers some of the reasons why Glasgow holds a special place for visitors, highlighting feelings of happiness, excitement and adventure.
“Our latest marketing campaign, Scotland is Calling focuses on this appeal highlighting the ways in which Scotland can fulfil a visitor’s emotional needs. It is not just about the unmissable things you can see and do in Scotland but how it feels to experience them here which we know people missed during the pandemic.
“Glasgow provides the ideal city escape for this boasting world-class attractions, vibrant neighbourhoods, fantastic food and drink and legendary live music.
“We hope the campaign will inspire more people to discover the magic of visiting Scotland and Glasgow during the autumn and winter months, create new special memories and experience our world-famous warm welcome for themselves.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
People might make Glasgow but can they beat a top stand up comic at his own game
Partnering with Glasgow International Comedy Festival, First Bus is offering free bus travel to ticketholders!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries announces pioneering new SignLive service ahead of Sign Language Week
Buchanan Galleries is the first shopping centre in Scotland to team up with a pioneering new service, SignLive, to help support the deaf community and improve their experience.
READ MORE
Do you have memories from the old YWCA centres in Glasgow
The Young Women's Movement, formerly known as YWCA Scotland, is seeking stories from its 100-year history in Scotland, as part of an oral history project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
READ MORE
Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
March Events at LUSH Glasgow City
LUSH Glasgow City has a packed events calendar for March!
READ MORE
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind
To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival celebrates 50 day countdown with exclusive Secret Party Tour
Pavilion Festival is kicking off early with Pavilion on Tour – a two-part, secret pre-festival experience designed to set the stage for Scotland’s ultimate seaside music festival.
READ MORE
Sir Billy Connolly Award Shortlist revealed as GICF kicks off across city
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the Shortlist for 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award as the festival kicks off!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MORE
Civerinos earns a place on the Time Out list of best pizzas in the world
Fighting off stiff competition from around the globe and coming in at a lucky number 13 on the list, Civerinos’ New Haven-style pizza grabbed the food critics’ attention for all the right reasons.
READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events
Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORE
Valaria Glasgow unveils new evening menu
Valaria, one of Glasgow's most beloved Patisserie destinations, has launched a brand-new evening menu.
READ MORE
Celebrating British Science Week in Glasgow
To celebrate British Science Week, Glasgow Science Centre will deliver a jam-packed programme of activities, experiments and events for public visitors and school children this week.
READ MORE
Flight Club is the ideal alternative place to take your mum for brunch
If you're looking for something a bit different for Mother's Day that is also loads of fun, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option!
READ MORE
Derby Lane evolves and new hit spot opens in Finnieston
A bold new look, elevated dining and a hidden speakeasy... once hailed as Glasgow's most Instagrammable bar, Derby Lane has grown up!
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Cineworld brings back IMAX Film Fest
Cineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MORE
Discover the best of Belfast on a day trip from Scotland
A beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MORE
Dobbies welcomes applications for community gardens initiative
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
READ MORE
Six by Nico unveils brand new six course tasting menu, The Italian
Six by Nico's Road Trip, inspired by Chef Nico Simeone's Italian heritage and travels, will take you on a culinary journey through Italy!
READ MORE
Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March
An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ MORE
Care home residents set to be radio stars this weekend
Residents from a Govan care home are going to be filling the airwaves with their favourite songs, chatter and memories this weekend as they take over Sunny Govan Community Radio.
READ MORE
Empowering Women at Glasgow Science Centre
ScottishPower backs day of science engagement for International Women’s Day.
READ MORE
FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury
Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!
READ MORE
Alona Hotel to host Wedding Fayre
The Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Country Park is to host a sparkling Wedding Fayre featuring a stylish fashion show and a host of exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest wedding trends.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre counts down to homecoming with first projects announced
Citizens Theatre unveils first stage productions and homecoming celebrations as countdown to August reopening begins!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival reveals a host of guests who will appear at festival
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has unveiled a host of stellar guests set to appear throughout the Festival as it brings 19 days of comedy to the city this month.
READ MORE
New restaurant and bar set to open in Tarbet, Loch Lomond next month
Lomond Leisure Group is proud to announce the launch of a new restaurant & bar, strengthening its commitment to highlighting the best of Scottish produce, sustainability and experiential dining.
READ MORE
Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical
Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!
READ MORE
King Pins is coming to Glasgow
State-of-the-art bowling and activity venue is set to bring ten-pin & duck pin bowling, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn this Summer!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links