BRITS SET TO SPLASH £8.2 BILLION ON TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS BREXIT WORRIES AFFECT THREE QUARTERS OF THE POPULATION
Study reveals Brexit fears will significantly influence the life decisions for 73 per cent of Brits in 2019
National uncertainty sees UK adults prioritise spending time with friends and family as leisure activity spending set to soar by 81 per cent from £4.5b in 2018 to £8.2b this year
Research commissioned by Alton Towers Resort to mark the launch of Power of the Towers – a year of celebrating experiences that bring people together to create memories
A new study of Brits has revealed the extent to which our concerns for the nation’s landscape in 2019 will influence behaviour, with Brits set to invest more than £8.2 billion on time spent with their friends and families.
In fact, as many as 73 percent of Brits say that worries and uncertainty over Brexit have drastically changed how they plan to spend both their time and money this year, with financial woes emerging as the biggest single influence over major life decisions in 2019.
The survey, conducted by Alton Towers Resort, found that three quarters (73 per cent) of Brits spend time with loved ones to distract themselves from the things they are worried about and in 2019, ‘happiness’ was identified as the most important goal for the year ahead (53 per cent), followed closely by ‘spending time with loved ones’ (43 per cent).
This was reflected in the spending forecast outlined in the findings, where 64 per cent of respondents predicted they will prioritise their financial spending on quality time with loved ones.
In 2018, British adults spent an average of £90 per month on leisure activities and this is set to almost double to £163 per month in 2019, equating to a whopping £8.2 billion across the UK, up 81 per cent on 2018’s £4.5 billion*.
This is despite over half of those surveyed (52 per cent) admitting they will be spending less on luxuries for themselves this year and 75 per cent cutting down on traveling abroad for holidays due to financial concerns, with 16-29-year olds staying put after feeling the pinch the most (83 per cent).
Commenting on the Alton Towers Resort research, actor and mum of two, Nadia Sawalha, said:
“There is so much uncertainty in the UK at the moment and along with 73 per cent of the population I’ve had to make bold decisions on how I’m going to spend my money this year. Everyone knows I like to argue about what’s right and wrong with the nation as much as the next person, but as a mum I want to make sure that my 2019 priority is bringing our family and friends together to make some really great memories. Above everything, that’s what’s important!”
Key findings from the research also reveal:
Young people expressed the most concern over Brexit uncertainties, with 84 per cent of 16-29-year olds admitting Brexit will influence their life decisions in 2019
Personal finance concerns will mean 80 percent of women cut down on holidays abroad in 2019 versus 68 per cent of men
Belfast (58 per cent), Oxford (54 per cent) and Edinburgh (53 per cent) emerged as the cities where Brits are feeling the most concerned about the impact of Brexit, while in Norwich, only one in five (21 per cent) of those surveyed expressed fears
In Belfast and Glasgow, personal finance concerns were far higher, at 90 per cent and 82 per cent respectively
Well over half of women (57 per cent) will be spending less on themselves due to economic uncertainties and in Edinburgh, 65 per cent of men and women
TV finance expert, Jasmine Birtles, commented: “It’s worth families looking at staycations and fun days out this year as a way to spend valuable time together on a budget. The pound is already low against most major currencies and as we get closer to Brexit and yet more uncertainty, it could go down further. By staying in the UK and mixing up free days out like walks in the park with a picnic and a ball to kick around with occasional treats of visits to exciting places, you know what you’re going to get for your money and you don’t have to spend so much time travelling.”
“This research confirms that there’s never been a greater need for family escapism in the UK” said Francis Jackson, Operations Director for Alton Towers Resort. “Visitors have always come to Alton Towers to escape life’s worries and enjoy quality time with their family and friends. That’s why we’ve launched the ‘Power of the Towers’ campaign, to remind people that they can find the perfect place to escape from it all in 2019 at Alton Towers Resort.”
This year, Alton Towers Resort is celebrating all the thrills, laughs and joy that bring people together and help them forget the stresses of everyday life. From the rush of world-beating rollercoasters to the scary fun of the new Alton Towers Dungeon, no other UK destination offers as many opportunities to share memorable experiences together. With the Premium Season Pass, offering unlimited entry to the theme park and Alton Towers Dungeon, plus great value accommodation opening in April with the new Stargazing Pods, even more families can experience the Power of the Towers in 2019.
For more information or to book your Premium Season Pass for 2019, visit: https://www.altontowers.com/