THE Borders will be in the spotlight in a major Russian travel programme, titled Neputivue Zametki (Travel Notes) that attracts more than 20 million viewers every week in its homeland.
The presenter - top Russian celebrity Dmitry Krylov - the 'Michael Palin' of Russia, visited the Borders last week in a bid to showcase some of the best of what the region has to offer Russian visitors. The TV crew stayed at Cringletie House Hotel
to film the Beltane Festival in Peebles and local attractions including Traquair House by Innerleithen, Abbotsford House near Melrose and Melrose itself.
Mr Krylov said: "The Borders is a wonderful region and it has been a real pleasure to see exactly what it has to offer. From the Common Ridings and the history of the Borders to the variety of culture and heritage and the fantastic scenery, Scotland really does have it all."
Travel Notes will be broadcast at the end of October/beginning November this year.
Sandi Hellowell, VisitScotland's regional director said:
"VisitScotland recognises and values the importance of emerging markets such as Russia, China and India and has a dedicated team targeting potential visitors from these countries for the benefit of tourism growth.
"Our research shows that visitors from Russia favour luxury and high end products and that the breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and unique culture to be found in the Borders appeals to them. This is also the case for many segments of the Chinese and Indian markets and these countries offer great opportunities for local businesses who can provide the quality experience they are looking for."
Russians are among Scotland's highest spending visitors and as a key emerging market they are of increasing importance to the tourism industry. The wealth of products and services the Borders has to offer at the luxury end of the market creates the ideal platform to help attract Russian visitors and bolster tourism growth.
Scotland has already benefited from the Russian travel market after successful trade missions by some of Scotland's leading tourism businesses to Moscow and St Petersburg, combined with a heavy Scottish presence at Russia's first military tattoo. Russians tend to have traditional perceptions of Scotland, focussing on the unique heritage – castles, tartan, and whisky – and have a warm view of the Scottish people. Golf is an increasingly popular pastime for the Russian elite.
