The latest data available covers 2025 showing that visitor numbers mirrored that of 2024. Whilst there is a slow growth in total visitors, numbers are still around 20 per cent below the pre pandemic levels. For international tourism this is concern as Manchester, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh all grew fast.
2026 does offer more promise and a stronger performance due to several new routes being launched from Glasgow Airport. This alongside a busy summer of activity is hoped will see international tourism return to pre-pandemic levels.
June and July represented the two busiest months of the year with over a million international visitors enjoying Glasgow.
Crucially the wider trend of Glasgow being a summer destination is clear. Since the pandemic Glasgow attracts double the number of tourists in the summer months as it does in the winter. This pattern is clear and it is important that as a city we are operating with this in mind.
