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Pictured left to right: Mark Davidson, Economic Development Manager at Angus Council, Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Destination Development Director, Cameron Smith, owner of Arbroath Cliff Tours, Louise Nicoll, owner of Newton Farm Holidays and Tours with resident Highland Cow Julie, Scott Francis, Director of Angus Cycle Hub, and Cllr Martin Shepherd, Angus Council spokesperson for Tourism, representing the breadth of what is on offer for visitors to Angus.

 

Visit Angus has launched a new tourism website, designed to inspire and attract more people to visit the birthplace of Scotland.

Welcoming 1.2million visitors to the region in 2023, tourism provided a £306 million boost to the local economy. It is hoped the new website will continue to attract millions of visitors, year after year.

The website transformation showcases centuries of historic stories, and how memories can be made across a diverse range of experiences; from playing championship golf courses to visiting castles and historic houses, alongside a packed programme of events and festivals throughout the year.

Features of the site include a unique Insider’s Guide, featuring 100 unmissable experiences, curated itineraries, and The Angus Tour, allowing visitors to design their own adventure, giving them the chance to explore the towns, villages and glens of Angus, discover hidden gems, and try something new.

Visit Angus received £90,000 of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support its growth ambitions, creating the new website alongside a multi-channel campaign designed to attract new audiences across Scotland and the North-East of England to visit Angus.

Angus Council spokesperson for Tourism, Councillor Martin Shepherd said: “We are committed to ensuring tourism continues to thrive year after year. With a new website providing an enhanced online experience, and a new campaign aimed at driving new visitors to our beautiful region, I hope that we will see many more visitors coming to Angus; seeking adventure outdoors, experiencing our heritage and culture, enjoying unique cuisine, or to simply relax, surrounded by breath-taking scenery.”

To support the continued growth of the tourism sector in Angus, the new website has been developed in line with the recently created Angus Brand Storytelling Framework, highlighting key product and messaging pillars for the area – Outdoor Adventure, History & Culture and Food & Drink.

Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, said: “Angus has a huge amount to offer visitors, including an exciting food and drink scene, excellent outdoors activities and a number of unique historical sites.

“This funding will help build its reputation as a must-visit destination, and we are pleased to be supporting the area as it seeks to grow and attract more and more visitors in the years ahead.”

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Destination Development Director, said: “Angus has so much for visitors to see and do throughout the year and this new website provides an ideal platform to inspire and inform visitors looking to plan a break to the area.

“We’re really pleased to see that the tourism narrative has been so helpful in shaping the look and feel of the new website. We have worked closely with colleagues from Visit Angus, Angus Tourism Cooperative and ANGUSalive to create this narrative so we can all promote and present Angus to potential visitors in a consistent, appealing and authentically Angus way.”

Ensuring visitors have all the information they need at the touch of a button; the seamless online customer experience also supports local tourism businesses with free business listings. Highlighting the breadth of accommodations, attractions and places to enjoy food and drink, there are currently over 200 businesses showcasing their offerings, including the range of events and festivals that take place throughout the year.

Louise Nicoll, owner of Newton Farm Holidays and Tours and Director of Angus Tourism Cooperative in Angus, talks about the benefits of working with Visit Angus: “Collaborating with Visit Angus has been instrumental in sharing our accommodation and the authentic experiences on our working farm with both our local Angus community and the many visitors exploring the region. Their support in featuring Newton Farm Holidays & Tours in their itineraries and on their website has helped us connect with those seeking genuine agritourism experiences, from families and food lovers to dog-friendly travellers.

“By working together to promote Angus as a must-visit destination, we not only showcase the area’s rich rural heritage but also support the wider local economy, ensuring more people can experience the best of what our beautiful region has to offer.”

 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has a specific focus on kickstarting economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus