THOUSANDS of tourists are expected to jet into Glasgow next year after watching the Disney Pixar movie Brave.

The computer-animated film may be set in the Highlands but the city's economy is set to boom with visitors flying in to experience Scottish hospitality – and it's not just Glasgow which is likely to be a hit with tourists.

Visitors are also expected to take in historic Castle Levan at Gourock on the banks of the Firth of Clyde.

Other attractions likely to lure tourists include the scenic Clyde Valley and the Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve.

VisitBritain today predicted that visitor numbers will rise by 960,000 across the UK.

They believe 32 million visitors will flock to Britain next year and spend a record £19 billion – and some of that cash will be spent north of the border.

They believe Brave – a fantasy film that follows the exploits of Merida, the headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, will attract thousands of extra tourists to the Glasgow area.

A spokeswoman said: "With one in five people encouraged to visit a location used in a film, and research showing that one in four have reacted positively toward Scotland having watched our latest promotions, we expect the 'Brave effect' as well as 2013's Year of Natural Scotland to impact significantly on visitor number to the Glasgow area."

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: "This has been the second busiest tourism year for Glasgow and 2013 is shaping up to be even stronger. This is no longer a seasonal city. It's a year-round tourist destination."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk

n Tomorrow: VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay explains why Glasgow will be giving a gold-medal performance during 2013