Hospitality customers really care about the equity, diversity and inclusion policies of the venues they choose to visit.
A new survey of consumer opinion, from CGA by NIQ on behalf of UKHospitality, has found that the overwhelming majority of consumers – 64% – felt that EDI policies were important to them, but only a third had seen venues advertising their EDI credentials.
Three in 10 people also said that they would be more likely to visit a venue if it promoted its EDI policies.
This information was circulated in the 13th edition of UKHospitality’s Future Shock report, which includes case studies from Greene King, Molson Coors and Only A Pavement Away.
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “Hospitality has always been a people-first business and has a tradition of being one of the most inclusive sectors in the world.
“Over decades, our pubs, bar, restaurants and hotels, to name a few, have been safe spaces for those who felt they had nowhere else to go.
“I know day-to-day there remains a huge amount taking place to ensure that remains the case and that we continue to enhance our equity, diversity and inclusion credentials. These new statistics show that this work is clearly valued by the public and is actually a significant factor in where they choose to visit.”
CGA’s Director of Hospitality Operators and Food, EMEA, Karl Chessell said: “By any measure, the first quarter of 2023 has been challenging. Nevertheless, there are some encouraging signs as we look ahead to the rest of 2023. Most importantly of all, CGA’s research consistently proves the public’s appetite for the special experiences that only hospitality can provide.
“While some consumers are being forced to tighten their purse strings at the moment, visitation levels have not yet been significantly affected—and we can be confident they will rise again when people feel more cash in their pockets.
“Hospitality is a resourceful and resilient industry with a bright long-term future despite the current challenges. It is also a very responsible sector and committed to improvements on big ethical issues like sustainability and diversity.”
