Tourism Key to Angus’ Visitor Economy
The annual tourism trends research by Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd, confirmed that tourism is a key sector of the economy in Angus with significant increases in both tourism visits and economic impact in 2017.
In 2017, there were over a million estimated tourism visits to Angus (1,081,850); representing an increase of 5% on the previous year and tourism was worth £231m to the economy, two per cent up on 2016 as well as supporting 3,887 Full-Time Equivalent jobs (FTEs).
Angus tourism has been showing a sustained increase since 2010 with visitor numbers rising by 27 per cent and the worth to the economy up 29 per cent over the last seven years.
Within the staying visitor sector, serviced accommodation numbers grew by 16 per cent over the previous year and day visitors by four per cent.
Councillor Ron Sturrock said, “Tourism is vital to the local economy and 2017 was another strong year for Angus. It’s extremely satisfying that the visitor figures for Angus continue to increase year on year. Angus has so much to offer visitors from its coastline and beaches to its unique attractions and stunning landscapes, not to mention our golf courses and fantastic local food and drink.
“The attention of the world was on Angus this summer as thousands came to enjoy the 147th Open at Carnoustie and I have no doubt that this will be reflected in next year’s figures. However, in addition I am sure that many of the visitors to the Open will want to return and those who saw our stunning county on screen will wish to come and discover the area for themselves.”
Ann-Marie Black from the Angus Tourism Co-operative said, “It’s an exciting time for tourism in Angus and as an industry, we’re determined to work together to maximise every opportunity. Angus is a fantastic place to visit and I’m delighted to see that 2017 has been another successful year for tourism in the area”.
