The Queen’s Scottish residence is amongst locations being visited by Japan’s ambassador to the UK this week, as part of a tour to introduce the country’s travel agents to the region.
The Japanese ambassador, Koji Tsuruoka, and his wife, Yooko, are visiting Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire today Friday (18th May), along with Japanese minister for tourism, Jotaro Horiuchi, four tour operators and two representatives from the Japanese tourist board.
The purpose is to strengthen tourism links between Scotland and Japan and encourage Japanese tour operators and travel agents to consider the region for inclusion in future itineraries.
This morning they are visiting Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside, the Scottish home to the British Royal Family since 1952, when the estate and its original castle were bought privately by Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria.
The group will then head to the 5* Marcliffe in Aberdeen for lunch, a luxury country hotel which has deservedly earned its membership of the coveted Small Luxury Hotels of the World. There, they are to be welcomed by the lord provost of Aberdeen, Cllr Barney Crockett.
In the afternoon, they are to view the Thomas Blake Glover collection at Aberdeen Maritime Museum as well as a tour of Glover House, in Bridge of Don.
Born in Fraserburgh in 1838, Thomas Blake Glover crossed from Shanghai to Nagasaki in 1859 and worked initially buying Japanese green tea. Two years later, he founded his own firm, Glover & Co. His business was based in Nagasaki and it was here that he had his home constructed – the building that remains today as the oldest Western-style building in Japan.
Yesterday’s itinerary included a visit to Cawdor Castle, near Nairn, the 14th century home of the Thames of Cawdor; lunch at the Grade-A listed Georgian mansion, Boath House Hotel, and a tour of Longmorn Distillery.
The group also visited Johnstons of Elgin, where they were given a brief history of the company and a tour of the premises, before being joined by cabinet secretary for tourism, Fiona Hyslop, for an evening meal at 5* Blervie House, near Forres.
The Ambassador’s visit follows a trip he made to Scotland last summer with his wife and the ,inister for tourism, when they visited Aberdeen.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland regional director, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this visit by the ambassador to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and we have successfully demonstrated what a strong tourism offering the region has for visitors.
“The sky is the limit for Scottish tourism with our focus on attracting more visitors from new destinations. The future of Scottish tourism lies beyond our shores – we are connecting operators and tourism businesses to match their global growth ambitions.”
The lord provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett, said: “It is essential that we seize every opportunity to promote Aberdeen here and abroad, and I am delighted that the Japanese minister of tourism and the ambassador of Japan will have the opportunity to visit the city as they lead a tourism trade delegation to Scotland.
“Aberdeen is an international city of excellence in terms of business, people, and place – all of which make it the ideal location for business and leisure tourism.
“It’s a cosmopolitan city with a year-round festival programme on offer, stunning architecture, superb dining, retail and leisure opportunities surrounded by outstanding countryside and a beautiful coastline. These provide a relaxing outdoor environment just a short drive from the city. Whether it is business or leisure tourism visitors will always get a warm welcome here in Aberdeen.”