Angus tourism continues to grow as visitor economy reaches £350 million
Angus’s visitor economy continues to strengthen year-on-year, with new tourism experiences, investment, and major events driving growth.
Research conducted by Global Tourism Solutions, using the Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) model, highlights 1.3 million visitors explored Angus in 2025, showcasing Angus as a year-round destination for those seeking outdoor adventures, coastal escapes, or cultural discovery.
Headline figures show:
- Angus tourism value has increased by 7.3% from 2024, generating £350 million
- Tourism supported 4,119 full-time equivalent jobs locally, an increase of 2.2%
- The number of visitor days continues to rise, reaching 2.7 million, up 4.1% on the previous year
- 4,119 full-time equivalent jobs supported by tourism
- £283 million economic impact from staying visitors
- £67 million economic impact from day visitors
- On average visitors spend 3.85 days in Angus during each visit
These figures provide a strong backdrop to an expanding programme of tourism development across Angus, with new and enhanced visitor experiences adding depth to the destination, and creating more reasons for people to stay longer and return.
Angus Council Leader, Councillor George Meechan, said:
“The latest STEAM figures demonstrate the important contribution tourism makes to Angus’s economy and communities. It is particularly encouraging to see this growth alongside the continued development of our visitor offer.
“From new distillery experiences and improved heritage attractions to festivals, accommodation investment, accessible tourism, and the growing profile of Angus on screen, there is a real sense of momentum. These developments give visitors more reasons to discover Angus, stay longer and explore more of what the area has to offer.
“The challenge now is to build on this momentum and ensure that the benefits of tourism continue to reach businesses and communities across the region.”
Among the latest tourism offerings to open in Angus are the new Gin Bothy distillery at Glen Prosen and the opening of the Glencadam Distillery visitor centre, adding to Angus’s growing food, drink, and whisky offering.
Visitor attractions continue to provide visitors with renewed opportunities to experience Angus’s unique cultural and historical offerings, with internal spaces at Arbroath Abbey reopening following high-level masonry works, as well as the newly discovered Pictish Stone, the Flemington Stone II, now on display at Aberlemno Village Hall.
Events continue to enhance Angus’s visitor offering, bringing new experiences to the region including the Summer’s End Angus Music Festival in Brechin, as the second year of Arbroath Fest builds on the success of the inaugural event, strengthening Angus’s calendar of cultural activity.
The accommodation and hospitality sector continues to evolve too, with developments at Carnoustie Golf Hotel, Kinclune House & Estate, and Glen Clova Hotel, alongside the introduction of an accessible pod at Forbes of Kingennie, supporting a more inclusive visitor experience.
Angus’s landscapes, heritage, and distinctive locations are also attracting attention on screen. Brechin Castle features in the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, while Hospitalfield appears in Frankenstein, showcasing Angus as a destination for film, heritage, and culture.
The latest STEAM figures show that staying visitors generated £283.5 million of economic impact in 2025, while day visitors contributed a further £66.7 million. Non-serviced accommodation was the fastest-growing visitor sector, with its economic impact increasing by 10.9% compared with 2024.
Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said:
“Tourism is a vital part of Angus’ economy, supporting jobs and businesses while bringing wider benefits to communities across the region. With its coast and countryside, rich heritage, outdoor experiences and food and drink, Angus is a fantastic year-round destination.
“Continued investment in new experiences, accommodation and events is evident in Angus, which gives visitors even more reasons to explore further, stay longer and return again. We value our strong working relationship with Angus Council, Angus Tourism Cooperative and local businesses as we help support a sustainable visitor economy and showcase the area.”
With new products and experiences continuing to come forward, Angus is building on this positive performance and strengthening its position as a destination offering compelling experiences across food and drink, heritage, culture, events, golf, nature, and accommodation.
Data was gathered by Global Tourism Solutions (GTS) from analysing accommodation occupancy, visitor attraction data, as well as figures from local festivals and events, venues, and transport providers.