Scotland's Balmoral offers red-carpet welcome to Chinese tourists

Richard Cooke, the hotel's general manager, who has spearheaded the move said, "I have had the pleasure of getting to know China over a number of years and have fallen in love with a region with a rich history and heritage.

"It's a market like no other and one that we enjoy a strong relationship with. However, with the new direct flight opening Scotland up to China like never before, I now feel it's my turn to return the welcome and help Chinese travelers get to know Scotland," Cooke said.

Rob Lang, chair of Edinburgh Tourist Action Group's China Ready Initiative, said: "We are thrilled that the Balmoral is so enthusiastically tapping the Chinese market opportunity through a range of carefully curated welcome initiatives and innovations, such as the brand-new Mandarin Afternoon Tea offer.

"ETAG has worked closely with the Balmoral to support their Chinese market planning - and we're delighted to see yet another Edinburgh tourism business raising the bar for the Chinese visitor," Lang added.