VisitScotland officials hope to bag more business by opening an information centre on Britain's busiest shopping area outside London. Buchanan Street, at the heart of Glasgow's vibrant retail sector, has been chosen as the location for attracting the interest of foreign visitors who flock to the city for its shopping, culture and night life.

Senior official, Liz Buchanan, said: "Scotland is preparing to welcome the world in 2014 when we celebrate the second year of Homecoming Scotland, host the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and, of course, the Commonwealth Games here in Glasgow.

"This move will mean we are able to extend that welcome to as many as possible and make sure those events deliver the greatest possible benefit for Glasgow and Scotland."

VisitScotland is switching in January from George Square to a unit owned by SPT transport next to Buchanan Galleries and opposite Buchanan Street Subway.

SPT chief executive, Gordon Maclennan, said: "SPT already works closely with VisitScotland and this new agreement makes perfect sense.

"We strive to offer all our customers – visitors and locals alike – the best possible travel information.

"The unit is adjacent to one of our busiest Subway stations and we particularly hope that anyone new to the city will be encouraged to use our great public transport network to enjoy all the wonderful attractions Glasgow has to offer."

VisitScotland has had an information centre at George Square for the last 16 years.

It has attracted 91 million visitors a year – equivalent to 6100 people an hour.

The new centre will offer free wi-fi and a "tablet table" where visitors can browse apps, websites and make social media updates.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk