Research conducted by Global Tourism Solutions (GTS), using the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) model, highlights that tourism’s economic impact has increased by 27.2% since 2019.

Headline figures show:

• Angus tourism value has increased 18.1% from 2022 to £306m.
• Visitor numbers have increased by 11.1% from 2022 to 1.2m.
• The number of staying visitors has risen to 458,000 (compared to 423,000 in 2022).
• The number of day visitors surpassing pre-covid levels, and continues to rise, increasing by 13.1% from 2022 to 712,000 visitors.
• Attracting 2.5m visitor days and nights in 2023, the staycation market remains strong, cementing Angus as the perfect place to escape from the everyday, all year round.

Angus Council spokesperson for tourism, Councillor Martin Shepherd said: “With memories to be made across a diverse range of experiences; from playing championship golf courses to visiting castles and historic houses, and a packed programme of events and festivals throughout the year, there’s something for everyone in our beautiful region.

“It’s fantastic to hear the economic impact day visitors alone are having, with a rise of 29.3% on the previous year, and 44.4% above 2019 pre-covid levels.

“But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s also about the jobs and opportunities this growth is creating for local people. We’re working hard to make sure that Angus is not only a great place to visit but also a great place to live. With more and more people visiting Angus, we’re proud that the visitor activity and spend supports more than 3,725 full time equivalent jobs locally, supporting our aim to make Angus a great place to live, work, and visit.

“If you have the opportunity to visit, be it for the day or overnight in one of our many unique accommodations, Angus will welcome you with open arms.”

Initiatives spearheaded by the Angus Council’s Visit Angus team, have been instrumental in promoting the region since covid. Receiving funding from VisitScotland’s Destination Marketing Fund, and Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund, has allowed Visit Angus to create a programme of regional marketing activity, supporting the continued growth of the tourism sector in Angus.

Alison Smith, director of vibrant communities and sustainable growth at Angus Council, explained: “During lockdown in 2020 Visit Angus, supported by Angus Tourism Cooperative, asked local residents and people who love to visit our region, what their favourite places in Angus were.

“We had an outstanding response with so many great suggestions, and we used these to create our Insider’s Guide to Angus featuring 100 unmissable experiences.

“Following the wonderful response we received with the Insider’s Guide, we decided to enhance our visitor experience further with the creation of the Visit Angus App and launching ‘The Angus Tour’. This allowed our visitors to design their own adventure through a range of itineraries, giving them the chance to explore our towns, villages, and glens, discover hidden gems, and try something new. Our world-famous Arbroath Smokie is a food offering not to be missed.

“It is wonderful to see so many visitors coming to Angus seeking adventure outdoors, experiencing our heritage and culture, enjoying unique cuisine, or simply to relax in the tranquillity of our region.”

From the breath-taking scenery of the rolling hills and glens to sandy white beaches along the stunning coastline in the east of Scotland, a visit or stay, in the birthplace of Scotland guarantees to be a memorable experience.

Caroline Warburton, destination development director at VisitScotland, said: “Tourism is hugely important for Angus. It sustains communities, creates jobs and attracts investment.

“These figures reflect the variety and growing quality of experiences that are attracting visitors across the region. Hospitalfield, Newton Farm Holidays and Tours, and Arbikie Distillery are just some of the attractions that show the breadth and depth of the visitor offering, while initiatives such as the recent Angus Outdoor Adventure Winter Festival, and the Wild South Esk Trail, are helping to extend the visitor season.

“Collaboration has been key to the successful growth of Angus as a visitor destination. Our work with the council and industry has helped create a consistent approach to promoting what makes the region special, and we will continue to work together to make Angus a destination of choice for visitors from near and far.”