Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB), VisitScotland (VS) and VisitBritain (VB) have today (Tuesday, March 11) announced the launch of a dedicated digital newsroom for UK and International media, which will support the Destination Media Hub (DMH) facility operating at the iconic IET Glasgow: Teacher Building during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

With the eyes of the world on the city as it gears up for its biggest year to-date, this online portal will be a dedicated space where all 2014 accredited media - as well as other bonafide UK and international consumer, lifestyle, features, news, sports, business and digital media - can source any information they require on Glasgow, Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Users will have online access to the latest travel and destination news, rich multimedia content - including HD B-Roll and high-res imagery - plus a range of exciting media offers, fact sheets and other useful resources.

The portal has been developed for the three partners by Glasgow-based agency Radiator Digital and is accompanied by a dedicated Twitter feed @mediahub2014. The registration process is quick and simple, and media are invited to sign-up via www.destinationmediahub.com for access to the newsroom as well as being able to apply for accreditation for the actual DMH facility.

Conveniently located in St Enoch Square, in the very heart of Glasgow city centre, the DMH will operate from Sunday, July 20 to Monday, August 4 between 8am and 8pm. It will serve as a 'one-stop shop' for visiting UK and international press and broadcasters with facilities including:
• Destination information on Glasgow, Scotland and the UK. 
• 125-seat auditorium.
• Large working press area.
• Wi-Fi access.
• Wireless printing.
• Media conference spaces.
• Press interview zones.
• Bookable fixed camera positions.
• Fast-track filming permissions.
• Daily news conference programme.
 
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "The Destination Media Hub has a vital role to play in ensuring that visiting media have real-time access to information that will help generate positive coverage which reinforces Glasgow's world-class cultural, events and sporting credentials as well as its reputation as an internationally-renowned visitor destination.

"Through the portal, media will not only be able to download the latest destination news and multimedia content, they can also apply for accreditation to work from the DMH during Games Time - providing access to a lively hub where local and Commonwealth media can network and share their experiences.

"One of the real legacy benefits of the DMH is the option for broadcasters to book fixed camera positions at iconic locations around Glasgow; showcasing the city and many of its cultural landmarks to a global TV audience, which will inspire viewers to visit Glasgow in the years following the Games."

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: "The Digital Destination Media Hub offers the whole country a prime opportunity to speak directly to the world's media, showing them the very best of Scotland.  This is a vital resource if we want to carry on forging strong tourism links with oversea audiences. VisitScotland, VisitBritain and the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau have been working hard to engage media across the globe and we will continue, both online and in person through our Destination Media Hub, to promote Glasgow, Scotland and the UK.  The eyes of the world will be on us this year. It is our chance to shine, to show people that Scotland is an excellent place to visit, live and do business."

Paul Gauger, Head of International Media & Destination PR at VisitBritain, said: "Having a dedicated media portal full of essential information on what makes Britain GREAT is a welcome addition as we move towards the opening ceremony of this year's Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The DMH will provide media with plenty of local insights and story ideas, along with access to high res imagery and footage from across the UK that can be used to showcase the very best of our culture, heritage, food and countryside."

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For further information please contact: Calum Frier Calum.Frier@visitscotland.com