Consumer confidence grows, raising hopes for hospitality's recovery in 2022

Consumer confidence about eating and drinking out remains high despite the Omicron variant, new research from CGA shows.

The Consumer Pulse survey of 2,000 people indicated that more than two thirds (70%) felt confident about visiting pubs, bars and restaurants. This was double the number (34%) from the start of 2021, and a sharp increase on the 52% from CGA's research in July.

The research highlighted lingering anxiety about Covid-19, with more than half (55%) of consumers worried about Omicron and two thirds (67%) concerned about a further peak in infections. However, hospitality venues' efforts to reassure guests about safety appeared to be working, with nearly three quarters (71%) of people feeling very or quite safe on their last visits - a small increase from July's total of 69%.

Consumers were also keen to support the sector. Seven in 10 said they were worried that venues may not survive the pandemic, while 62% were actively supporting local hospitality businesses.

There were signs that footfall could increase in the months ahead, as one in five (19%) consumers planned to visit venues more often than they did last year – slightly more than the number who think they will make fewer visits (17%). A third say they would step up their frequency of visits after the end of January.

CGA's group chief executive Phil Tate said: "After a very tough Christmas, these numbers are a welcome reminder of the huge underlying appeal of Britain's pubs, bars and restaurants. Having missed out on so many hospitality occasions in 2021, and with concerns about safety easing, we can be cautiously optimistic that spending will rebound as the year goes on. However, it's important to remember that some consumers remain anxious about going out. Hygiene and cleanliness will be important drivers of visits for some time to come, so venues will have to be vigilant on standards."

He added: "Some hospitality businesses remain vulnerable after enduring nearly two years of very challenging trading conditions. But this is a resilient and resourceful industry, and with the right support from government it is well placed to drive Britain's economic recovery in 2022 and thrive in the long run."

Photo: Shutterstock