Scotland hoping for more UK visitors

Edinburgh Airport could be readying itself for an influx of domestic visitors after an advertising campaign was launched in response to a recent survey.

Research commissioned by national tourist board VisitScotland found that 66 per cent of Londoners are bored by the way they spend their weekends and want more excitement.

Some 70 per cent of respondents said their ideal weekend would involve escaping London and 72 per cent saying they would like to take part in an adventure activity such as white-water rafting, climbing or hill-walking.

Scotland is already benefiting from this trend, according to the tourist office, with the adventure sports market now worth £180 million per year.

A new advertising and marketing campaign has now been launched with the aim of boosting this industry further.

Helen Campbell, VisitScotland's UK and Ireland group marketing manager, said: "Our advert aims to attract more English consumers to holiday in Scotland and this YouGov research shows there is a growing demand for weekend adventure breaks especially amongst Londoners.

"Scotland's adventure industry is benefiting from this, however, it is clear that perceptions of Scotland as an adventure destination still need to change."