City centre businesses lose out during COP26

City centre business owners are telling Clyde News COP26 has not lived up to expectations, and that travel messaging is damaging business.

The economy was expecting a boost from hosting the climate conference, but restaurants, bars and shops say the opposite has happened, with footfall and bookings taking a huge hit and takings down by as much as 40% for some.

'Turnover is down by around 20 per cent'

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is now encouraging Transport Scotland to revise its messaging asking people to avoid Glasgow.

Paul Stevenson owner of Paesano Pizza and Sugo said: "COP26 so far has been a disappointment. The footfall in the city centre has dropped dramatically since the start of the conference.

"Footfall in the city is way down and turnover is down by between 15 and 20 per cent.

"Transport Scotland needs to reverse its travel advice because by urging people to stay away and not to come into the city centre it's had a dramatic affect on our business.

"COP26 certainly has not given any business in the city centre a boost and I don't know why people are staying away, I can only put it down to the advice from Transport Scotland."

'We would urge Transport Scotland to lift the guidance'

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Glasgow’s hospitality and retail businesses are still struggling as they recover from the pandemic in addition to the challenges they face with staff and supply chain shortages.

"They need support now more than ever and it is crucial that we do not discourage city centre visitors who bring with them the custom that is needed.

“While there are some businesses that have benefitted from hosting delegates and major events, the passing trade for the city centre during COP26 has been much lower than expected.

"Now that the world leaders have left and the peak of organised protestor events have occurred, we would urge Transport Scotland to lift the guidance around unnecessary travel to allow businesses to once again welcome trade.”

'COP26 offers important economic opportunities for Glasgow'

Transport Scotland says the plan was devised with Glasgow City Council and that the conference is delivering economic value to the city.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government firmly believes that hosting COP26 offers important economic opportunities for Glasgow, particularly for Glasgow’s accommodation and hospitality sectors but also for Scotland as a whole through new trade and investment opportunities. 

“The COP26 Transport Plan was developed with Transport Scotland, the UK Government, Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council to provide a safe, secure and resilient transport network for delegates and others travelling in the area, with public transport and active travel at its core.

“We knew that certain dates would be much busier than others, especially around the start of the conference and the planned days of activism. That’s why we asked people to plan their travel in advance and consider leaving their cars at home, to avoid gridlock and leave space for key workers and emergency services to make essential journeys.”

• cop26