This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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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."