Recreation

The recreation industry in Britain has grown steadily over recent years. Not only are British people spending more time on recreational activities and ‘fun’ pursuits, but the types of activities enjoyed are also changing to reflect the demands of modern society.

Health and Fitness in Britain

Currently, the most dynamic of all markets within the recreation sector is that of health ad fitness. Lifestyles have become more sedentary and as such individuals have to look towards recreational activities to ensure that they maintain a physically active lifestyle. In the last three years alone, the health and fitness sector has seen a 32% increase in revenue spent. As it stands, the health and leisure industry directly employs 2% of Britain’s workforce as well as generating 2% of the gross domestic product in Britain.

UK Visitor Attractions and Museums

For those who are not so keen on fitness and physical activity, the trend is towards maintaining recreational activities outside the home. Out-of-home entertainment has steadily increased over the last decade at a rate of 6% a year and is now estimated to be worth in excess of £35 billion in total.

The British Gambling Scene

Other attractions which make a considerable impact on the recreation industry include cinemas, visitor attractions in general and museums. Gambling is also growing rapidly with more than 140 casinos registered at the time that the Gambling Act 2005 came into force. Casinos have continued to open at a steady rate across the country.

Interestingly, horse racing and breeding currently employs more people than the entire cinema, visitor attraction and museum industry.

UK Travel

The travel market has never been as prominent within the GB recreation sector. Individuals are typically much more likely to take multiple holidays throughout the year and special interest holidays have gained both in popularity and profitability. It is estimated that over 33% of British people will take a special interest holiday at some time during their lifetime. The most popular of these types of holidays are sports based, including skiing, sailing, walking and equestrian activities.

Domestic holiday spending is the most dynamic area of travel currently. As the cost of fuel continues to rise and individuals become increasingly time poor, the ability to holiday close to home has taken on greater importance. Since 2001, the number of domestic holidays being taken has risen at a steady 7% per year, topping the 6 million holidays per year level. Approximately 6% of all holidays are now taken on British soil.

Whilst the number of people taking domestic holidays has risen at a steady rate, the value and income from these holidays has dramatically increased. Holiday camps and camping facilities remain popular as do high end hotels and self catering options that are offering unrivalled quality throughout the UK.

Pets & Home Recreation

Whilst it is the out-of-home recreation market that continues to gain most attention in Britain, this is not to say that the at-home recreation market is waning. Quite the opposite, in fact! It is now estimated that a third of all homes own a dog and a half of all homes have a pet of some sort or another. There is a growing trend towards owning unusual pets such as reptiles, with many seeing their pet caring duties as a recreational activity in itself.

As time becomes more precious and individuals have greater expectations in relation to quality of life, the recreational industry in Britain is likely to continue to go from strength to strength for years to come!