Edinburgh's tourism history
Edinburgh has been Scotland's capital since 1437, but has been
attracting visitors, traders and inhabitants since at least 850BC.
With a natural fortress in Castle Rock, a nearby strategic port
and two 400m year old dormant volcanoes for defence, it was an
ideal place to settle.
By the 1800s, Edinburgh was nicknamed 'Athens of the North' as
the neoclassical New Town took shape alongside the medieval Old
Town. Together, these were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site
in 1995.
Today, tourists enjoy Edinburgh's past and present landmarks. It
is home of the Scottish Parliament
(opened by the Queen in 1999), the world's most famous festival city (Edinburgh International Festival
was launched in 1947), the world's first City
of Literature (awarded by UNESCO in 2004) and a leading
science and business destination (since
at least the sixteenth century!)
Tourists have continued to vote with their feet, naming
Edinburgh their Favourite UK City for the ninth year running in the
Guardian/Observer Travel Awards 2008. Edinburgh has also
been named a world top ten city (Wanderlust 2008) and
a Top Ten European destination (Trip Advisor Destination Awards
2008).
In 2005, the Edinburgh
Inspiring Capital brand was launched to promote these strengths
internationally and attract new investment to the city.
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