Scotland Tourism News
Scottish visitor attractions record a bumper year
The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions has announced that visits to its member sites rose dramatically in 2017, the fourth year running that an increase in numbers has been recorded.
Glasgow to host UKinbound annual convention in 2019
UKinbound has announced that next year the city of Glasgow will, for the first time in 31 years, host its annual convention, from February 6th-8th, 2019. As part of UKinbound’s commitment to promoting all corners of the UK, next year’s convention will see over 260 of the association’s members converge on Glasgow for the three-day business event.
Blythswood Square Hotel undergoes interior renovation
As part of a multi-million-pound investment, Glasgow’s five-star Blythswood Square Hotel has unveiled its refreshed and reimagined guest rooms and suites as it reaches a major milestone in its refurbishment. Work at the world-renowned hotel continues with guest rooms being the first area to be completed with brand new furniture and interior design from independent design studio Graven Images.
Twenty14 acquires Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian for £85m
Twenty14 Holdings, the hospitality investment arm of Lulu Group International, has completed a £85 million acquisition of the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian. The Caledonian joins a portfolio of $650 million worth of luxury property across the UK, the Middle East and India that Twenty14 has assembled since 2014.
Royal Yacht Britannia celebrates successful 2017
As the Royal Yacht Britannia, in Edinburgh, prepares to mark 20 years since opening its doors to the public in 1998, the team is also celebrating a remarkable achievement, ending 2017 with a phenomenal 390,482 visitors.
Line up unveiled for Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival
The final line up has been announced for Edinburgh’s first ever wellbeing festival. The event will bring together some of the biggest names in health and fitness in the capital, from Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge and Shona Vertue to global influencers Chloe Madeley and Jasmine Hemsley of Hemsley + Hemsley fame.
Leonardo Hotels acquires Portland Hotels in Scotland
Leonardo Hotels has acquired the strategically placed portfolio of Portland Hotels in Scotland. The deal will increase the company’s presence in Edinburgh, while adding new locations in Glasgow, Perth and Aberdeen.
Edinburgh Collection acquires Tune Hotel
The Edinburgh Collection, a member of Palm Holdings, has announced the expansion of its UK portfolio with the acquisition of The Tune Hotel in Edinburgh.
Delta to connect Glasgow-New York this summer
Delta has launched its new non-stop service from Glasgow to New York-JFK, offering greater travel choice between Scotland and the US. Operated daily throughout the summer, the airline’s first-ever Glasgow route will provide convenient connections to more than 60 destinations throughout the US and beyond via Delta’s New York hub.
Ryanair launches largest ever Scottish winter flight schedule
Ryanair has launched its biggest-ever Scottish winter schedule, with 13 new Edinburgh routes to Baden, Budapest, Carcassonne, Eindhoven, Hamburg, Katowice, Nantes, Prague, Szczecin, Toulouse, Venice, Valencia and Wroclaw.
Courtyard by Marriott opens in Edinburgh
Marriott International is adding the Courtyard Edinburgh to its portfolio in Scotland. The city centre hotel is set within a historic Georgian terrace located in the heart of Edinburgh’s new shopping and entertainment hub at the east end of Princes Street.
Scottish government confirms plans to cut APD by half
The Scottish government has confirmed plans to halve Air Passenger Duty by the end of the current Scottish Parliament in 2021. Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, welcomed the move. He said: “This is a major step towards the complete abolition of this stealth tax that hinders economic growth, tourism and jobs.”