What we did on our holiday in Angus and Dundee

Visiting a castle, an historic house, palace or stately home, and viewing architecture and buildings, were among the most popular activities for visitors to Angus, according to the latest regional research from VisitScotland.

The Scotland Visitor Survey 2023: Angus, published today (Wednesday, 26 June) by the national tourism organisation, found around three quarters of visitors to the region were domestic visitors, with 85% repeat visitors to Scotland.

A quarter of all respondents stayed in one rural location in the region and on average four nights.

In line with Scotland-wide survey results, scenery and landscape (71%), and history and culture (61%), were the top two motivations for visitors who travelled to the region.

Separate results for Dundee found most visitors (82%) to the city were repeat visitors to Scotland and a fifth stayed only in the city.

For Angus, visiting a castle (57%) was the most popular activity followed by visiting an historic house or stately home (56%) and viewing architecture and buildings (36%). Most visitors to Dundee took in a museum or art gallery (63%).

The Scotland Visitor Survey usually takes place every three or four years but was delayed due to the pandemic and was conducted in 2023.

It aims to help understand why visitors take a holiday or short break in Scotland and how they rate their experiences when here.

Visitors were surveyed in-person between March and October last year, and then responded to an online survey when they returned home.

Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said: “The Scotland Visitor Survey provides valuable insight for everyone involved in tourism and events.

“It’s unsurprising that most visitors to Dundee took in a museum or art gallery, with such as rich range of quality attractions to choose from as well as the city being the country’s first UNESCO City of Design.

“It’s encouraging for our industry that the region saw a huge number of repeat visitors to Scotland showing that visitors are keen to return due to the experience and welcome they receive. It also provides the opportunity to encourage more visitors who are experiencing Scotland for the first time to choose Dundee and Angus.

“Understanding the motivations and experiences of visitors is essential in developing a world-class visitor destination. We will continue to work with businesses and partners to ensure Angus and Dundee is a sustainable tourism destination that benefits all.”

Scotland Visitor Survey 2023: Angus/Dundee can be found https://www.visitscotland.org/research-insights/regions/dundee-angus

ENDS