As a newly appointed Vice Chair of Glasgow’s leading attractions group, I am extremely excited to take on this role and contribute towards promoting a better experience for visitors to Glasgow.
Glasgow is a vibrant and diverse city, with plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy, from its rich history and culture, to its stunning architecture, parks, and gardens. With so much on offer, it’s essential that visitors are given access to a more joined-up experience that showcases the city’s various offerings.
As Vice Chair of this leading attractions group, my primary focus will be to work alongside other members to develop a more co-ordinated approach to attract visitors to member venues and attractions. We aim to promote Glasgow’s diverse offerings and capabilities to a wider audience, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of each attraction.
The group will also focus on identifying areas of improvement that can make the visitor experience more enjoyable and engaging. We aim to work closely with each member’s management team to achieve this, developing new initiatives and strategies that will help increase visitor numbers and spend.
Networking with other attractions within and beyond our city is also a central component of my role within the group. We plan to forge new partnerships and collaborations that will help us promote Glasgow’s attractions more effectively. By working together, we can identify new opportunities and create a more comprehensive visitor experience that truly showcases the best of what our city has to offer.
As the Visitor Experience Manager at the Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, I can confidently say that I have one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable jobs out there. Every day, I get to welcome visitors from all over the world to explore the amazing collection of art and artefacts that our museum has to offer.
From the moment visitors step foot into the museum, I, alongside my amazing team, am there to make sure that their experience is as enjoyable and informative as possible. I am responsible for all aspects of visitor services, including managing our front-of-house team, liaising with tour groups and overseeing events, and ensuring that all exhibitions are well-presented and accessible.
One of the best things about working at the Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery is that every day is different. Whether it’s meeting and greeting guests, liaising with artists and curators, or working with our education officer to develop exciting educational programmes for schools and families, there is always something new and exciting to do.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing the impact that the museum has on our visitors. It’s always a joy to watch people’s faces light up as they discover something new and amazing in our collection. Whether it’s a rare artefact or a beautiful painting, it’s amazing to be a part of their journey of discovery.
Of course, working in a museum also comes with its challenges. From dealing with difficult visitors to managing multiple events at once, there is never a dull moment. But seeing the positive impact that our work has on visitors makes it all worth it.
Ultimately, working as a Visitor Experience Manager at the Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. Not only do I get to work with a passionate team of individuals, but I also get to play a part in preserving and promoting the incredible heritage of our University. I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing institution and to play a role in shaping the experiences of our visitors.
Overall, I am incredibly proud to have been given these opportunities in the GLA & The Hunterian and look forward to contributing towards the success of the leading attractions group in promoting Glasgow as a must-visit city destination. With the outstanding attractions on offer in Glasgow, I have no doubt that we can continue to attract and delight visitors from all over the world.
Paul Dragsnes, Visitor Experience Manager, The Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery