A joint survey of members by four leading trade bodies reveals that the sector is looking forward to a 22% increase in trade over the coming four-day celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and Hospitality Ulster say the extra £2bn is almost £400m more than pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues could expect to earn during a normal Thursday to Sunday in May.
The four trade organisations said in a joint statement: “At last, our beleaguered sector is able to look forward to the sort of trading period that will give it a massive boost as it sets out on the long road to post-pandemic recovery.
“There are still lots of hurdles that businesses have to clear on the way back to profitability – huge cost increases, a staffing crisis, rising Covid rent repayments and too much red tape – but these four days will do wonders for income and for employee morale.
“It’s also a wonderful, celebratory moment for millions of people who’ve been denied the opportunity to socialise with friends and family for far too long, and we sense there’s a real pent up desire among the population to get out and enjoy itself.”