VisitScotland Chairman Mike Cantlay and Commonwealth Games athlete Adrienne Power race towards the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games with the newly launched direct flights between Halifax and Glasgow.

EDINBURGH, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - As the Queen's Baton Relay arrives in Canada - its last stop before returning to Europe - VisitScotland has teamed up with Canadian Commonwealth sprinter Adrienne Power to showcase Europe Airpost's new direct flights from Halifax International Aiport to Glasgow, running between July 3 and August 20 2014.

This exciting development is timed perfectly to tie in with the XX Commonwealth Games. Occuring from 23 July to 3 August 2014, the Commonwealth Games will be the biggest sporting occasion in Scottish history, taking place in Glasgow but placing the nation on a global stage and showcasing Scotland as an outstanding international destination.  Featuring 17 sports in 11 days of competition with 250 medal events on show, the Games will play host to 4,500 athletes and sell 1,000,000 tickets to spectators from around the world.

As part of the promotion of this new route, Europe Airpost are flying two members of Adrienne's family to Glasgow so that they can experience the tremdous excitement of one of the world's biggest sporting events first-hand.  While in Scotland, the family members, along with thousands of other visitors, will have the opportunity to extend their visit and explore Scotland's breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, mouth-watering food and drink, exciting activities, dramatic history and vibrant contemporary culture.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: "This new direct route has come at a fantastic time for Canadians wishing to visit Scotland, particularly during a year when we play host to momentous events such as the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Year of Homecoming. Making Scotland more accessible via routes such as this is important for tourism and will help Scotland welcome the world in 2014 and beyond."

Visitors to Scotland during the Commonwealth Games can also take advantage of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme, which extends beyond the city and across the country.  The jam-packed events programme spans theatre, dance, music, visual arts, comedy, multi-media and outdoor spectacles, highlighting Scotland as a must-visit destination.

For more information on the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, visit: www.destinationmediahub.com

Image with caption: "Scotland Goes for Gold With Launch of New Europe Airpost Route to Glasgow (CNW Group/VisitScotland)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140501_C6041_PHOTO_EN_39836.jpg

Image with caption: "VisitScotland Chairman Mike Cantlay and Commonwealth Games athlete Adrienne Power race towards the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games with the newly launched direct flights between Halifax and Glasgow. (CNW Group/VisitScotland)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140501_C6041_PHOTO_EN_39835.jpg

SOURCE: VisitScotland

Michael McCuish, International PR Executive, VisitScotland
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