Insights Roundup

The Insights Roundup summarises key reports and news articles found through horizon scanning. This process collates recently published external publications on relevant topics including the economy, consumer and industry sentiment, air/sea access and regeneration.

Insights Roundup 09/03/2026

Consumer:

  • GfK's UK Consumer Confidence Index fell three points to -19 in February, reversing the modest improvements recorded in recent months. The decline was largely driven by weaker perceptions of personal finances and a reduced appetite for major purchases. Despite easing inflation, rising prices and growing concerns around job security continue to weigh on sentiment, prompting many households to prioritise day-to-day spending rather than longer-term purchases or savings. This cautious consumer outlook may contiinue to constrain discretionary spending, potentially including travel and leisure. NiQ/GfK - UK Consumer Confidence Index (27 February 2026)
  • Irish consumer sentiment edged slightly higher in February, reaching its strongest level since March 2025. While the improvement siggests some stabilisation in household confidence, the overall level of sentiment remains dubdued, reflecting continued caution among consumers in the face of cost-of-living pressures and wider economic uncertainty. The modest uplift may signal that consumers are beginning to perceive some easing in inflationary pressures, though it is not yet indicative of a significant improvement in household spending power. Credit Union Ireland - ROI Consumer Confidence Index (25 February 2026).

Tourism Performance:

  • Europe's tourism sector maintained steady demand through late 2025, with international arrivals increasing by 3.2% year-on-year and overnight stays rising 3.1%. Notably, traveller spending grew significantly faster than arrivals, with overall tourism expenditure estimated to have increased by 9.7% in 2025. This suggests destinations are increasingly benefiting from higher per-trip spending rather than large increases in visitor numbers, with travellers seeking value, off-season trips and less crowded destinations. International arrivals to Europe are forecast to grow by a further 6.2% in 2026, supported in part by recovering long-haul markets such as China and India. European Travel Commission – European Tourism Trends & Prospects Q4 2025 (February 2026)  

Consumer/Retail:

  • UK retail footfall declined sharply in February, falling by 4.7% year-on-year as one of the wettest Februarys on record kept shoppers away from high streets and shopping centres. All UK nations experienced declines, including a 2.3% drop in Northern Ireland. Heavy rainfall alongside ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising unemployment contributed to weaker consumer activity, with some spending shifting online instead. The figures highlight how weather conditions and economic uncertainty continue to influence discretionary trips and retail spending. BRC-Sensormatic – UK Footfall Monitor February 2026 (6 March 2026) 

Air Access:

Previous Roundups: