BRITAIN SEEN AS A ROMANTIC LOCATION ACROSS THE WORLD

The findings come from a survey where fifteen countries were asked to choose from a series of adjectives they think most accurately describes visiting the UK. The research followed extensive worldwide coverage of the Royal Wedding, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In the ‘romance’ category, high spending Chinese along with equally affluent UAE visitors top the table with 28% of respondents seeing Britain as a romantic place to visit(2). India, another of the BRIC countries, came a close second (27%), joint with South Korea. But it’s not quite ‘from Russia with love’ as the Russians and Japanese battle it out for third place with 25% seeing Britain as a place to share with your nearest and dearest.

As an average across all markets, one in five respondents suggested that Britain is a romantic location. According to the country ranks, European markets dominate the top 10 list of destinations considered to be ‘romantic’, with France and Italy regularly vying for top spot and the UK coming a creditable seventh.

Patricia Yates, Director of Strategy and Communications at VisitBritain said: “Why go to Paris, Bruges or Venice when we have London, the majestic Highlands and the natural beauty of Snowdonia to enjoy.

“Whether it’s Michelin-star dining right across the country, a marriage proposal at the top of the Shard or being treated like royalty in a Scottish castle, there’s plenty to indulge in - no matter what visitor tastes or budgets are.”

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, VisitBritain has put together some romantic suggestions for visitors, whether it’s a first holiday as a couple, a marriage proposal, a honeymoon or just an excuse to treat your loved ones.