Greene King Tracker – more Britons planning a ‘staycation’ in 2016, drinking out increases: More Britons are expected to take a “staycation” in 2016, with the majority planning to dine and drink out during their trip, according to this month’s Greene King Leisure Tracker. Despite ongoing economic and political uncertainty surrounding Britain’s membership of the European Union, British households are optimistic about their holiday plans for the rest of the year, with 71% of adults expecting to take at least one holiday between now and the end of 2016. Most Britons expect to take a “staycation” during the period, continuing a trend that remains popular post-economic crisis. About 85% of British households expect to take at least one domestic holiday between now and the end of the year, a 3% increase on the same figure captured in 2015. Eating out is the activity people are looking forward to most, with 87% of those taking a “staycation” stating they plan to dine out during their trip. Drinking out was the second most popular activity, with 69% overall saying they will enjoy a drink while on their break. Overall, the average British household spent £207 on out-of-home leisure in May – a £7 (3%) decrease year-on-year but a £2 (1%) increase on the previous month. This is likely to have been impacted by half-term falling in June, and was driven exclusively by an £8, or 10%, fall in other leisure spending, with drinking out once again showing resilience with a small £1 (2%), increase year-on-year and £2 (5%) rise month-on-month. Other leisure’s share decreased by 3% in May compared with the previous month, while eating out’s share decreased by 1%. The impact of the Easter school holidays in April saw households with children reduce spending by £30 (12%) month-on-month, while households without children actually increased spending by £13 (7%). Other leisure spending on outdoor activities, such as live sports and other live events, saw small increases due to the slowly improving weather and the start of festival season. Greene King group marketing director Rob Rees said: “On the eve of a momentous decision for the British public, this month’s Greene King Leisure Spend Tracker suggests many households are looking forward to enjoying some well-earned holidays post referendum. Meanwhile, total leisure spending in May has fallen compared with the same period last year, driven mostly by a sizeable reduction in spending on other leisure activities.”
Liverpool Football Club joins BHA: The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has announced Liverpool Football Club has become a member of the association. When the world-famous Anfield stadium isn’t used for football matches, it has long been a hospitality venue, playing host to a busy calendar of corporate events and ceremonies every year as well as being a location of choice for special parties from prom nights to weddings. Whether a football fan or not, Anfield’s facilities always prove a major draw. BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Liverpool FC to the BHA, they are our very first football club member and we are proud that one of the finest clubs in the world has seen the benefits BHA membership can bring. Sporting venues are becoming an increasingly significant part of the hospitality scene, combining as they do spectacular venues and great hospitality to provide unforgettable client experiences.”
