Chinese couple like relaxed Scottish way of life
IT was Scotland’s tranquillity and relative calm that convinced Viola and Patrick Wong to pick a tour that stopped at Glasgow and Inverness.
The retired couple from Hong Kong said they’d known little about Scotland before booking but thought it was the perfect place to leave behind the hustle and bustle of modern China.
“They enjoy the whisky and they all know about the Loch Ness monster and Scottish cuisine. Just for a joke they’ll try a little haggis on their plate and sample it politely, though not necessarily enjoy it.”
Some experts attributed the rise to a concerted effort by VisitScotland to appeal to developing
“Scotland has less people and more peace,” Mr Wong said. “It’s more relaxed and you can escape from all the hurry of China.”
Mrs Wong agreed: “People in China rush and it’s all very crowded. Here there is no rush.”
The pair were not surprised the number of Chinese people visiting Scotland was on the rise.
“China has become rich. Ten or 20 years ago Chinese people nations which has included social media campaigns.
Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said the Bric countries are becoming increasingly important to Scottish tourism and noted encouraging signs for the future.
“The emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China couldn’t afford to travel, but now they are looking to travel abroad.
“They also like shopping abroad or particular products from certain countries,” Mr Wong said.
Whisky was one such product, he noted. While the pair stayed away from the stuff – red wine was their tipple, according to Mrs Wong – they acknowledged their compatriots were increasingly developing a taste are important to Scottish tourism as they show considerable potential for growth,” he said.
“Our studies show that visitors from these countries enjoy quintessentially Scottish things, including our spectacular scenery, our castles, our golf and our whisky.
“The attraction of experiencing for Scotch. Similarly, the country’s past appealed. “It is a great place for culture and the history of Scotland is very interesting,” Mr Wong said.
When they told friends and family they were going to Scotland the Wongs admitted some didn’t know where it was, but they now promise to spread the word on their return. “We’ll definitely think about coming back,” said Mrs Wong. the high-end quality produce and service of Scotland played a part in the increase in visitors from Brazil and China.
“We are greatly encouraged by this increase and hope to welcome more Bric visitors to Scotland in the coming years.” LLOYDS Banking Group bosses said the creation of 150 new apprenticeships showed their “continuing commitment” to Scotland.
Lloyds, whichispart-owned by the state, has already created 400 of the training places as part of its UK-wide apprenticeship programme.
The new positions in Scotland are part of the bank’s plans to expand this to 1000 apprenticeships this year.
A total of 100 of the new posts will be in the group’s telephone banking operation, with 55 apprenticeships in Glasgow, 30 in Dundee and 15 in Dunfermline. Another 40 roles will be created in group operations, and 10 apprenticeships will be with its Bank of Scotland arm.