Leisure spending slightly up in Q2 amid Brexit uncertainty
Eight out of eleven categories saw quarter-on-quarter spending either up or stable.
Leisure spending saw marginal growth in the second quarter of 2019, with net spending up one percentage point both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, according to the latest Leisure Consumer report from Deloitte.
The quarterly survey, which had more than 3,000 UK adult respondents, found that consumers took greater pleasure in new experiences rather than material things, spending more on everyday treats such as barista-made coffee.
Habitual leisure categories saw one of the highest rises in spending this quarter, up three percentage points from Q1, and was only matched by anticipated seasonal growth in short breaks.
More consumers reported spending on both short breaks and long holidays in the second quarter of the year, up three and four percentage points, respectively, from the last quarter. However, compared to last year, consumers say they are spending less on longer holidays, which Deloitte interprets as some delaying their bookings until now, or opted for shorter trips.
“Despite continued Brexit uncertainty and its impact on holidaymakers’ spending money, consumers still expect to pack up their bags and enjoy a summer holiday this year,” Deloitte partner for hospitality and leisure Simon Oaten said.
“For today’s consumer, experience is everything. A generation of social media-savvy consumers also continue to seek out new travel experiences to share with their online audience, and are piqued by new flight route offerings and off-the-beaten-track locations.”
More consumers reported spending in coffee and sandwich shops, which topped quarter-on-quarter leisure spending growth by category, rising three percentage points.
