CITY businesses were urged to get ready for the Commonwealth Games at the launch of an online initiative.

Hundreds of thousands of sports fans are expected to descend on the city after more than a million tickets were sold for events across the 11-day competition.

The new initiative will enable the city's 40,000 tourism, leisure and hospitality staff to access training services specially tailored for the Games to help them welcome visitors.

'Glasgow Welcomes' offers practical advice on how to deliver excellent customer service as well as information about the city's top attractions.

Scotland's Education Secretary Michael Russell joined Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson and Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg to launch the online project today as part of Glasgow 2014 Legacy Week.

Councillor Matheson said the Games were a "huge opportunity" for local businesses, as hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the city.

The online customer service programme, which costs £5 per person and takes two hours to complete, has been developed by the city's tourism service initiative, Glasgow Welcomes, previously Glasgow Service with Style.

Mr Russell said: "We want Scotland to be fitter for the future; physically, culturally, economically and socially as a result of hosting the Games.

"Initiatives like Glasgow Welcomes will help us realise that goal, by supporting hospitality and tourism staff to play their part in making Glasgow 2014 an experience for everyone to savour and remember."

Councillor Matheson, who is also chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said the city's customer service must be world-class to encourage visitors and their friends and families to return.

He said: "Glasgow is globally renowned for its warm welcome and we need our businesses to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

"The Glasgow Welcomes online programme is an important first step for businesses to show their support and engage their workforce.

"Alongside the athletes, the city and its people will be the stars of the Games, providing a dynamic stage and friendly introduction to the largest party Glasgow has ever hosted."

A million tickets have been sold for the events, ranging from athletics to boxing, and more than 6500 athletes and team officials will be in the city for the sporting extravaganza.

Mr Grevemberg said the Games would put the city and Scotland on the world stage.

He said: "With the unprecedented demand for our ticketing programme and fantastic response to our call for volunteers, we know that the city will be bustling with activity like never before for what will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime event."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk