Scotland’s increase in tourism from the Middle East, due in part to Homecoming Scotland 2009’s efforts to attract overseas visitors, is set to continue in 2010.
Two initiatives from Edinburgh landmark hotel The Balmoral will see both families and foodies welcomed to Scotland’s capital city via packages tailored to the needs of younger visitors as well as gourmands.
The hotel’s general manager, Ivan Artolli, describes the country’s allure for visitors from the Gulf and wider Middle East region, saying: “Edinburgh has a wealth of top restaurants, boutiques and entertainment which is as diverse as the Scottish ballet, Scottish opera and stand-up comedy to touring musicals and rock concerts.”
For families, The Balmoral offers the ‘An Unforgettable Family Affair’ package, where parents booking a classic room receive a complimentary second room for their children including Scottish breakfast and other exciting goodies.
The hotel’s Five Star Kids Programme includes bath time with a range of junior accessories and pampering products, a teddy turn down, where children can sleep peacefully with their own Balmoral teddy, customised children’s robes and slippers, kids’ movies and programmes, a special room service menu presented on children’s crockery and a bespoke children’s menu by Michelin-starred chef, Jeff Bland.
To tempt more sophisticated palates, The Balmoral’s new ‘Taste of Scotland’ package sees the property join forces with the legendary Gleneagles Hotel to create a true Scottish culinary escape in two of the country’s most prestigious locations.
The offer includes a two-night stay at The Balmoral followed by two nights at Gleneagles, dinner at the Michelin-starred Number One, overseen by Chef Jeff Bland, a relaxing evening in Gleneagles’ Estate Room with the beverage of your choice and dinner at Andrew Fairlie’s two Michelin-starred restaurant at Gleneagles.
Members of The Balmoral’s concierge team are industry experts in creating holidays tailored to the needs of each guest, with a special focus on catering to Middle Eastern visitors. Personlised services include private jets, 24-7 butlers, chauffeur-driven cars, exclusive tours of Scotland’s castles, couture clothing appointments, finding the hottest tickets in town, tables in the top restaurants and prime seats at national sporting games.
Flights from the UAE to Edinburgh are available from Etihad Airways, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM with stop-offs in London or Manchester.
Direct flights from the UAE to Glasgow International are available from Emirates Airline, with private hotel transfers available upon request. Transfer time is approximately 45 minutes by car.
Prices for a stay at The Balmoral start at £320 ($489) per night for a classic room. Throughout the year, there are three nights for the price of two offers. The ‘Taste of Scotland’ gourmet package starts from £1,200 for two people with two nights at The Balmoral followed by two nights at Gleneagles. This offer is valid until October 2010.