UK hospitality industry set for bumper year as home and international visitors plan UK holidays

by XPRESS, 27 April 2017

Britain’s hospitality industry is set for a record year, with a substantial increase in home and international visitors planning holidays in the UK, according to Barclays Corporate Banking report “Destination UK”.

The study looked at the 2017 holiday preferences of almost 10,000 guests from the UK, continental Europe, the US, Middle East, Asia and Australia, with almost two-thirds (63%) of international holidaymakers saying they were more interested in holidaying in the UK than this time last year.

Almost one-third (31%) cited a weaker pound as the biggest lure, with one-fifth of respondents stating TV programmes such as The Crown appealed most, while high-profile advertising campaigns had attracted 29% of overseas audiences.

The average length of a UK visit is nine days, with the average budget, including airfares, at £3,443. However, American and Chinese guests are set to have even larger budgets this year, at an average £5,230 and £5,424 respectively.

Regarding Brexit, more than half of respondents (51%) said the EU referendum had no impact on their likelihood to visit the UK, while almost one-third (31%) said they were more likely to visit. Popularity of the staycation also continues to rise, with almost one-third (30%) of UK holidaymakers expecting to spend more holiday time in the country this year.

Nearly four in ten respondents (38%) who cited cost as a factor behind a UK break said the weaker pound made holidays in the UK preferable, while 39% said a domestic holiday represented better value for money. The research revealed the average British budget for UK breaks is £800, with more than one-fifth (22%) planning to spend at least £1,000.

Brits also expect to spend an average £309 on accommodation, £152 on dining out and £121 on shopping.

The report said operators should consider generational differences when introducing technology and experiential offerings, with more than one-third (36%) of millennials more likely to use a bar that offered automated drinks dispensing, compared with 6% of over-55s.

Barclays head of hospitality and leisure Mike Saul said: “Underlying this increase is the quality of our hospitality industry and the UK’s enduring appeal. Offering guests tailored experiences will be key to success for operators in the UK hospitality and leisure sector in 2017.”

Article Credit: Propel Hospitality