Tourism site launched for Russians

A Russian language website aimed at encouraging businessmen and tourists to visit Scotland has been launched.

VisitScotland said the new site was prompted by an increase in Russian visitors to the UK, particularly on business.

Developed by the organisation's business tourism unit, the website provides information in Russian to help plan a trip.

Over 650 venues across Scotland are listed along with suggested itineraries.

Tourism bosses hope the site will cash in on Russia's increasing national wealth, which has seen a growing number of its citizens take their roubles abroad.

The country is now the world's ninth largest market for tourism.

VisitScotland plans to step up its campaign later in the year, when representatives from the Scottish tourist industry meet their counterparts in Russia.

Caroline Packman, head of the business tourism unit, said: "We have existing strong links with Russia and are continuing to build on this. There are many reasons why Scotland is the destination of choice for meeting planners, such as state of the art conference centres, unique venues surrounded by dramatic scenery, and the warmth of Scottish hospitality."

FruitSalad Events, a Scottish corporate events company, has been working with VisitScotland to bring Russian groups to Scotland since 2005.

Its director Paul Bryan said: "We have noticed the Russian market has been growing steadily. I have made numerous trips there over the last three years and to date have brought two Russian familiarisation trip groups to Scotland, one of which was given financial support from VisitScotland."

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