Leisure spending remains robust despite Brexit worries

UK spending on leisure remained steady during the second quarter of 2019, with net spending up one percentage year-on-year.

Figures from Deloitte’s latest Leisure Consumer report – a quarterly survey of more than 3,000 UK adults – shows that spending has increased in eight out of 11 leisure categories, including attending sports.

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 meaning some may have delayed their bookings until now, or opted for shorter trips.

Consumers have spent more on attending live sports events so far this summer, up two percentage points compared to this time last year, as a greater range of sports were held and international competitions hosted closer to home.

“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," said Simon Oaten, partner for hospitality and leisure at Deloitte.

“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.

“Meanwhile, sporting thrills and spills have been enjoyed across a variety of different sports so far this summer, from tennis and cricket to the women’s world cup, drawing a wider audience.

"At the same time, the atmosphere of a stadium environment has appealed more as consumers seek new experiences as sports spectators.”

To read the full Deloitte report, click here.