International Students Hail Edinburgh Castle as City’s Top Tourist Attraction
(PRWEB UK) 22 July 2013 -- More than two-thirds of international students claim that the iconic Edinburgh Castle is their favorite tourist attraction in the Scottish capital, according to a new study.
Research by Kaplan International Colleges, a leading provider of English language courses, revealed that 67% of surveyed international students said that the historic fortress is the best-loved attraction in the picturesque city.
Edinburgh Castle enjoyed cross-generational appeal as the monument was equally popular with international students of all ages thanks to the wide variety of attractions on offer including historical displays by actors in period costume.
Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager at Edinburgh Castle said: “We are delighted to hear that the Edinburgh Castle has been chosen as the best-loved attraction in the city by students from around the world.
“There is so much to see and enjoy at the castle with the Scottish Crown Jewels, which are amongst the oldest regalia in Europe, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh and the dramatic firing of the One O’Clock Gun."
The ancient castle, which runs events for schools and educational groups, was voted as the city’s top attraction ahead of Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, Mary King’s Close and Greyfriars Bobby by students who had spent at least two weeks living and studying in Edinburgh.
Rachele Walker, Principal at Kaplan International Colleges Edinburgh, said: “It is no surprise that our students voted Edinburgh Castle as the number one tourist attraction.
“The Castle is at the heart of what Scotland is all about: a perfect fusion of natural beauty, stunning architecture and ancient history. Add to this the fact it is within walking distance of the college and it is very easy to understand - what could beat that?”
Kaplan surveyed 301 current and former students from 29 countries who were aged between 18 and 59 years old. The results of the survey have been visualized in Kaplan's "What to do in Edinburgh" infographic. The infographic page has quotes covering all aspects of the research.
Other survey results include:
• 78% of international students voted Princes Street as the best place to go shopping.
• 76% voted the National Museum of Scotland top in the museums and galleries category.
• 72% voted Princes Street Gardens as the best park.
• 62% voted Finnegan’s Wake as the best pub.
• 36% voted Espionage top in the club and gig venues category.
• 35% voted Festival Theatre top in the theatre and performance venues category.
• 20% voted Jamie’s Italian as the best place to eat.
Kaplan surveyed students from Saudi Arabia, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Germany, Venezuela, Colombia, South Korea, Russia, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Iran, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, United Arab Emirates, Poland, Kurdistan, Ukraine, Sweden, Luxembourg, Republic of San Marino, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Iceland and Bosnia.
One of Kaplan Edinburgh’s unique and popular English courses teaches international students arts-related English during the Fringe Festival, which combines attendance at Festival events with discussions of performances using specific vocabulary and writing reviews.
About Kaplan International Colleges
Kaplan International Colleges is part of Kaplan, Inc., an international education services provider offering higher education, professional training, and test preparation. Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO). http://www.kaplaninternational.com
Martin Hofschroer, Kaplan International Colleges, http://www.kaplaninternational.com/, +44-207-045-5126, [email protected]
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