VisitScotland is “disappointed” at an Angus Council decision to withdraw funding for Lunan Bay.
The council will no longer pay for clearing and upkeep of the beach, instead focusing on maintaining the rented car park area.
VisitScotland regional director Jim Clarkson said: “Many publicly funded agencies are having to make very difficult budgetary decisions in the current economic climate.
“VisitScotland continues to work in close partnership with Angus Council on the promotion of the region to visitors as tourism is an essential part of the wider Angus economy.”
The council is expected to formally reject an application for a caravan site at the bay.
Manager at Lunan Leisure Scott Bremner said the landowner had hoped to rationalise camping to avoid anti-social behaviour, vandalism and littering.
He said: “Recently, the council was saying how VisitScotland had forgotten them but perhaps they should look at themselves first.
“Lunan Bay is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Angus and for them not to try and work with us at all is very disappointing.”
A council spokesperson said: “The council invests heavily in promoting tourism across the county through initiatives such as Carnoustie Country, Angus Glens Walking Festival, Angus Heritage.
“Angus Council is the lead partner of the collaborative marketing project, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, working with six east of Scotland partners in the public, private and community sectors to promote tourism in the area.
“The council is promoting our coastline and this year is proposing to renew the Resort Seaside Award applications for the beaches we are responsible for at Montrose, Carnoustie, Arbroath West Links and Monifieth.
“The council does not own the beach or the car park at Lunan Bay and the council has clarified with the beach owner the responsibilities and service standards in the area.”