The restaurant industry closed with a 10.7% increase in sales

The hospitality industry in Spain closed with a 10.7% increase in its turnover, according to data from Aecoc, which shows that Spaniards’ spending in bars and restaurants continues to grow, reaching €41.6 million, 10% more than in 2022.

Specifically, the hospitality sector, which employs 1.66 million workers and currently has 279,516 establishments, is also recovering, although pre-pandemic levels have not yet been reached, with traffic to venues reaching 7.2 million visits in 2023, representing a 3% increase compared to 2022.

Reports confirm the close relationship that consumers associate with leisure, pleasure, and enjoying quality time with visiting bars and restaurants. Thus, 52.5% of Spaniards state that their main reason for going to a restaurant is to celebrate something or enjoy a special occasion.

Furthermore, 49% claim that the main reason is to spend time with friends or family, and 47.8% say they go to a bar or restaurant when they want to treat themselves. Among those who most frequently consume in bars and restaurants, up to 66% state that they do so primarily to spend time with friends and family.

Regarding the aspects most valued by consumers when choosing an establishment, the highlights include a good value for money (88%), good service (88%), and the venue being cozy and quiet (85%).

An aspect highly valued by Spaniards is the flexibility in opening hours offered by the establishment, especially after the controversy arising from the statements made by the Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, about restaurant opening hours.

Thus, up to 63% of Spaniards highlight this as an aspect to consider, and 58% consider it very important that the venue has flexible opening hours or that shifts adapt to their needs.

Source: Europa Press