ROUGE LANDS IN SCOTLAND

You might call it a “rouge letter day” for Edinburgh as Air Canada rouge inaugurated its new flights between Canada and Scotland this week. And VisitScotland chairman, Mike Cantlay said that the launch of direct flights between Toronto and Edinburgh added an important piece to the “network jigsaw.” Air Canada rouge will operate three flights a week between Edinburgh and Toronto. Canadian visitors already generate 83 million pounds a year for the Scottish economy and VisitScotland says the new route will provide a further boost to this important market. The national tourism organisation already markets Scotland extensively to Canadians. This includes leading sales missions to Toronto and Montreal, hosting Canadian tour operators at its annual expo trade show, and reaching more than 18 million Canadians through its “Life is Like …” campaign. A recent VisitScotland competition saw 4,500 Canadians entering to win a dream trip to Scotland. In September, VisitScotland will be taking part in Destination Britain North America in Las Vegas. Organized by VisitBritain, the event will see VisitScotland staff meeting with Canadian and American tour operators, promoting exciting Scottish events such as the Year of Natural Scotland, Homecoming 2014, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. Said Cantlay: “Canadians have always had a strong affiliation with our country and, as we prepare to welcome the world with Homecoming, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup in 2014, the timing of this new service is perfect. We look forward to welcoming many more visitors from across the Atlantic over the summer.” Michael Friisdahl, president and CEO of Air Canada rouge, said: “We are excited to launch this new route between Toronto and Edinburgh today, which marks one of our first three flights from Canada to Europe. Customers will experience a new kind of leisure travel with outstanding customer service, uncompromised safety, a relaxed in-flight environment and a host of Air Canada benefits; all at competitive fares. With Air Canada rouge you can truly vacation ahead.”