Space travellers set to benefit Scotland's tourism industry

VIRGIN Galactic president Will Whitehorn will be discussing the positive impact of space travel on Scotland and the benefits it will bring to the tourism sector at this year's Edinburgh Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) lunch.

The 12th annual HIT Edinburgh lunch will raise funds to provide bursaries and scholarships for students in the hospitality industry across Scotland.

Last year the event raised over £60,000 for HIT and to date HIT Scotland has raised £2 million, which has helped over 8000 students with bursaries and scholarships.

Mr Whitehorn recently praised the Scottish tourism industry, citing the sector's established infrastructure as one of the key reasons Virgin Galactic selected Scotland as its number-one choice for its first European space port.

He said: "Scotland is perfect because we have high net-worth individuals spending $200,000 on a ticket for the flight and the area is unique. The luxury hotels, distilleries and all the tourism things are there already."

The lunch is on November 3 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. Tickets cost £75 each or £750 for a table of ten. For further details contact Event Consultants Scotland on 0131 557 5767.