World Cup and staycation summer expected to generate billions for the UK hospitality and leisure sector

New research from global insurance broker and risk-management firm, Gallagher, and research partner Opinium has revealed that the UK hospitality and leisure sector is expected to enjoy a bumper summer season, as people plan to stay local for their annual break, to avoid ongoing travel disruption and to watch the World Cup.

With the men’s World Cup starting on 11 June and running until 19 July, the hospitality industry needs to prepare for a busy month as over 15 million UK adults say they plan to watch at least one game in a pub or bar, rising to nearly half (48 per cent) of under-35s.

One in eight (12 per cent) UK adults expect to watch multiple games in hospitality venues, including nearly one in seven (15 per cent) men keen to experience most or all of the whole tournament in pubs, bars or other sites.

Those who expect to watch at least one match in a hospitality venue estimate they will spend an additional £58.80 in pubs and bars compared to a typical summer. The spend increases to £67 among under-35s and £67 among men. Nearly one in five (17 per cent) expect to spend £100 or more over their usual social budget due to the World Cup.

Over the course of the entire summer, UK adults expect to spend an average of £103 in restaurants, totalling £5.7bn. Brits also estimate they will spend an average of £76 in pubs or bars over this period, with one in five (21 per cent) expecting to spend over £100 each, equating to £2.5bn.

Dominic Roe, managing director, hospitality & leisure at Gallagher, said: “The hospitality and leisure sector will welcome this boost in summer trading having been under significant strain as a result of rising costs. Hopefully this summer will give venues the investment they need in this vital sector to the British economy and high street.

“The introduction of the Great British Summer Savings scheme should help set the sector up for a stronger summer. The temporary VAT relief, running from 25 June to 1 September, is expected to improve footfall across venues such as restaurants, theatres and soft-play centres, while also supporting the staycation boom by drawing families to attractions like theme parks. For a sector that has faced sustained pressure, it offers a welcome lift, like the first warm spell after a long winter.”

He added: “While increased spending is a positive sign, it also brings greater operational risk. Higher footfall increases the likelihood of slips and trips, disorderly behaviour and accidental damage, while placing additional pressure on staff and health and safety procedures. It is vital that venues review the protection they have in place and ensure they are adequately prepared for this very busy period.”

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