Regional Updates

Over the past few months, we have seen a clear change in behaviour across our venues. Footfall has softened in certain locations, particularly those that traditionally rely on international visitors, while community-driven venues continue to show resilience. What has changed most noticeably is how guests are spending. There is a greater level of consideration, with customers looking for experiences that offer clear value, whether that is through pricing, offers, or overall experience.

This does not necessarily mean a reduction in demand, but rather a shift in expectations. Guests are still going out, but they are choosing when, where, and how they spend more carefully. For operators, this means being more deliberate in how we position our offering. Value is no longer just about price, it is about what the guest feels they are getting in return.

In response, many operators, including ourselves, have leaned into more value-driven propositions. This includes everything from extended happy hours and accessible price points on key products to more structured offers that give guests confidence in what they are spending. At the same time, it is important that these adjustments do not dilute the overall experience. The challenge is to remain commercially sensible while ensuring the brand experience remains consistent.

From an operational perspective, flexibility has become essential. This applies across the board, from supplier relationships to menu engineering. We are seeing the need to be more reactive, whether that is adjusting menus based on ingredient pricing or refining offers based on demand patterns. In some cases, it also involves making strategic decisions about where to focus energy and investment, particularly in locations that continue to show strong community engagement.

Another important factor is collaboration across the industry. The ability for operators, suppliers, and landlords to work together is critical in periods like this. Where there is flexibility and support, it allows businesses to continue delivering strong value to guests while managing cost pressures in a sustainable way.

While the short-term environment presents challenges, there is also a longer-term opportunity. Markets like the UAE have consistently shown resilience, and there is a strong underlying demand for social experiences. What we are seeing now is not a decline, but a recalibration. Consumers are becoming more selective, and in turn, operators are becoming more focused.

Ultimately, the businesses that will come through this period strongest are those that remain agile, stay close to their customers, and continue to deliver genuine value without compromising on experience. Hospitality has always been about bringing people together, and that remains unchanged. It is simply the way we deliver it that continues to evolve

Author: Catherine Dyer, Marketing Director at McGettigan Group