Dubai jet-set ready for first-class Scotland

A BOOM in high-spending tourists flocking to Scotland is expected after the country’s first first-class flights touch down this week.

Luxury hotels are hoping for a new influx of well-heeled visitors when Emirates introduces first-class cabins on its Dubai-Glasgow service, which leaves twice a day from this Friday.

Paying about £2,700 one way, first-class passengers will travel in the lap of luxury in private suites which feature everything from seats with electronic massage functions to pop-up minibars.

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They will be offered seven-course meals on Royal Doulton china, with drinks including 21-year-old Glenfiddich whisky that costs £100 a bottle.

Such travellers will also be whisked to destinations up to 150 miles from Glasgow in Mercedes limos – as far as Aberdeen and Inverness.

Tourist chiefs hope to attract rich visitors from the growing markets of China and India, from where Scotland is a one-hop trip via Emirates’ Dubai hub.

Denise Hill, head of international marketing at VisitScotland, said: “Emirates’ first-class product is an endorsement of Scotland as a quality destination, and will help in our efforts to attract the type of high-spending travellers who seek luxury products and experiences whilst staying in Scotland.

“To capitalise on this opportunity, VisitScotland, together with some of Scotland’s best-known hotels, took part in a mission to meet with travel agents in Dubai to promote luxury travel options.”

Cameron House, beside Loch Lomond, is among the hotels hoping to reap the benefits.

General manager John Keating said: “It will undoubtedly increase visitors from Dubai to Cameron House and provide a luxurious way for international visitors to travel to Scotland and Loch Lomond.”

Gleneagles Hotel sales and marketing director Dorothy Welsh said: “The Middle East is a relatively small but growing market for us, and it also opens up a whole host of opportunities for discerning travellers from the Far East and Australasia.

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“Following the introduction of twice-daily flights, this is a really positive move for Scottish tourism and can only help to attract long-stay and high-spend guests from this region into the country.”

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is due to help launch the service on Friday, said: “Emirates’ plans reflect Scotland’s strong reputation as a first-class destination for business and tourism.

“This announcement further strengthens our connections with key emerging markets in the Middle East and Far East.”

Laurie Price, analyst and director of aviation strategy at Mott MacDonald ITA, said: “It means high-wealth individuals looking for exclusive holidays in the Highlands and Islands, such as to Skibo Castle, can now travel in an exclusive way all the way without having to revert to business jets.”

Business leaders expect other economic benefits, too. Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron said: “First-class seating on these flights… indicates a high-value market exists on this route.”