Edinburgh voted top tourist destination

Edinburgh has been voted the second most popular tourist destination in the UK, closely losing out to London in a new poll.

Leading travel company Trip Advisor recently released figures which saw the capital fight off other Scottish cities such as Aberdeen and Glasgow to gain the number two spot.

Edinburgh Central SNP MSP Marco Biagi told The Journal that he was surprised that Edinburgh was not voted first, stating: “No other Scottish city has such a combination of history and modernity.”

The capital city has a diverse selection of attractions including museums, monuments and gardens and is also home to the famous annual arts festival The Fringe.

Edinburgh is also a popular choice for many students, who make up a massive fifth of the city’s entire population.

The city’s historical past remains a firm favourite with many visitors. Last month, Edinburgh Castle reported its highest ever record of monthly visitors after seeing 205,000 visitors through its doors.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland said: “For Edinburgh to be voted one of the most popular destinations in Europe is a fantastic accolade for Scotland’s capital, although it should come as no surprise to those who have experienced the city’s splendour first hand.”

When asked what the Central MSP believes should be done to ensure that Edinburgh retains its current position, Mr Biagi replied: “Edinburgh’s unique beauty and variety needs to be protected – if we become another clone town with no atmosphere, fewer and fewer people will want to visit.”