Regional focus


Bagpipes, brews and bonnie views


Scotland’s capital is a world class destination for tourists, with Edinburgh recognised as Europe’s leading sustainable destination for 2023 by the World Travel Awards. Its unique cultural heritage, famous Christmas markets and Scotland’s financial hub means it is no surprise that it welcomed 1.8 million overseas visitors in 2022. Phoebe Galbraith hears from Andrew McPherson, general manager at The Balmoral, and experts across the industry to find out what makes Edinburgh such a globally renowned destination.


here are few cities so universally known for their world-leading heritage, art and architecture as the Scottish capital. Originally known as Castle Rock, Edinburgh is famous for its castle nestled atop a volcanic rock intrusion creating the well-known crag and tail formation that makes up the historic castle and Old Town. Perfect for a defensive site, Edinburgh Castle sits on the crag while the Old Town follows the tail leading into the renowned Royal Mile that runs through the heart of the capital. The history of Edinburgh, unlike most capital cities around the world, has remained relatively untouched thanks to much of the


T Hotel Management International / www.hmi-online.com


expansion and development during the industrial revolution happening outside in Leith. With much of Edinburgh’s culturally rich history preserved, it earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 as it “represents a remarkable blend of two urban phenomena: organic medieval growth and 18th and 19th century town planning”, according to the agency. Much of this preservation is due to the city walls that enclosed Old Town, keeping invaders out and inhabitants in – plus the government stepping in the 1970s helped prevent mass rebuilding and ensured the city’s restoration. Its rich history is second to none; for example, while other cities expanded


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The Balmoral


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