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Consumer spending on travel maintained despite slowdown

Consumer spending on flights and hotels was maintained in the second quarter of the year despite a slowdown in overall outlay.

Total spending in the three months was up by 3% year-on-year, but down from the 9% growth seen this time last year.

However, the leisure industry saw a 6% increase in spending in the period compared to the same period in 2016 and a 9.5% spike since the last quarter.

Second quarter spending on airlines rose by 12%, 27% on car rental, 11% on hotels and 10% on travel against the first three months of the year.

While airline spending fell by 2.5% over the second quarter of 2016, year-on-year hotel spend rose by 9% while travel remained static and car rental was up by 1%.

The data released today is based on card and direct debit data of more than three million bank customers by specialist firm Cardlytics.

Restaurants and quick-serve restaurants continue to be the main drivers of spending with eating out now representing nearly a tenth (9%) of consumers’ share of outlay.

The findings are in line with recent data, which revealed that the contribution of the hospitality industry to the UK economy has outpaced growth in every other sectors since the 2008 downturn.

Cardlytics international operations president Pete Gleason said: “This data shows just how much the UK loves eating out. Even amid a squeeze on household finances, spending in restaurants and cafes continues to go from strength to strength.

“The increased demand is good for hospitality but with the sector set for further growth in the form of increased competition, brands will have to work even harder to stand out and attract new customers.

“But elsewhere, with consumers cutting back on spending it’s clear that brands will have to adjust to a new normal of low spending growth and focus on offering value.”

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