Football fever: £2.75bn boost for UK hospitality sector during Euro 2024

Monday, June 10, 2024

The much-anticipated men's Euro 2024 tournament, starting this week, is predicted to generate a significant boost of £2.75bn for the UK's retail, hospitality, and accommodation sectors.

With social distancing restrictions lifted for the first summer tournament since the pandemic, pubs, bars, cafés, restaurants, and hotels are gearing up for increased business.

The upcoming Euro 2024 men's soccer tournament, set to begin this week, is forecasted to generate an impressive economic impact of £2.75bn on the UK economy, primarily benefiting its retail, hospitality, and accommodation sectors. As social distancing restrictions are lifted for the first time during a summer tournament since the pandemic, establishments such as pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels are readying themselves for an influx of customers.

3: According to comprehensive analysis carried out by GlobalData Retail, the hospitality sector in the UK is poised to reap substantial financial rewards, with an estimated £613.7m boost anticipated as a direct result of the Euro 2024 tournament's surge in demand.

Approximately 35.4 million passionate football supporters are anticipated to tune in and actively participate in the Euro 2024 tournament, with a considerable portion intending to attend at least one live match at their favored local watering hole or eatery.

A staggering 17.7 million football enthusiasts (approximately half of the anticipated 35.4 million fans) are planning to attend at least one live game during the Euro 2024 tournament at their preferred local pub, bar, or restaurant. This represents a remarkable 115% surge in comparison to the previous major men's international event, the 2022 World Cup.

Dartford Sports Bar in Kent, owned and operated by Chris Michaelas and April since its launch in March 2020 amidst the lockdown, has been eagerly looking forward to Euro 2024. They hope to reap financial benefits akin to those from past summer sports events, inspiring them to get ready for an anticipated customer surge.