This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Whistler Exhibition success
08/12/2003
The Whistler Festival has been praised for
providing a boost to the tourism industry by attracting
increased numbers of visitors.
The festival, celebrating the work of American
painter James McNeill Whistler, attracted a higher than
usual number of overseas visitors toGlasgowarts venues. The usual summer percentage is 12 per
cent, but Whistler increased this to 17 per
cent.
Speaking at the closing of the festival, the Minister
for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Frank McAveety, underlined
the importance of arts toScotland's tourism industry.
He said:
"I'm delighted that the Whistler Exhibition brought
visitors toGlasgow, boosting tourism and the local economy. The
festival boasted over 100 events at more than a dozen
venues citywide.
"Figures from theHunterianArtGalleryshow a 70 per cent increase in visitors between June
and October, when Whistler's famous painting,
'Whistler's Mother' was on display.
"These people will remember their visit and I hope
they will want to come back toScotland. For that reason we must continue to develop
cultural tourism, harnessing the international appeal of
our arts festivals, exhibitions, and performing
arts."
Eddie Friel, Chief Executive - Greater Glasgow
& Clyde Valley Tourist Board, said:
"This project not only illustrates the major role
that the city's cultural industries play in enhancing
Glasgow's tourism proposition but also clearly
demonstrates the synergy that exists between the arts
and tourism.
"We were delighted to be able to work closely with
theHunterianArtGalleryto maximise the impact of Whistler 2003 in our key
markets both at home and overseas."