People vs Tech in 2026

Exclusive research from Zonal and NIQ, powered by CGA intelligence, explores how guests feel about face-to-face interaction, the role of technology, payment methods, and tipping in hospitality.

Consumers attitudes towards tech during their visits to hospitality venues are changing. Whilst the majority still believe that technology plays a part in delivering the best possible experience, 48% now believe human interactions are the most critical factor in their hospitality experiences, a rise of 19% since our last survey in 2023.

Whilst technology has cemented itself as an integral part of the customer journey—removing points of friction and enhancing convenience—human interaction is once again becoming a focus for many. But who are the consumers that are embracing technology over human interaction? How have payment preferences changed? How is this impacting tipping? And what perceived improvements could venues make to improve guest experiences?

What's in the report?

  • Guests’ preferred ways to pay in 2026
  • Consumers’ views on tech use in their hospitality experiences
  • The improvements venues could make to deliver better service
  • The effect tech is having on tipping

Consumers and hospitality: What 2025 habits reveal about the year ahead

Discover the key 2025 trends shaping 2026 in this in-depth review

In this review of our 2025 consumer research series, we explore the top factors influencing guest behaviour amidst the cost-of-living crisis, as well as the opportunities and challenges these present for hospitality businesses.

From a shift in consumer preference towards earlier bookings, exploring why 6:12pm is the new 8pm, to the appeal of elevated experiences that go beyond standard hospitality, views on the sector’s role in the social life of Britain, and demand for new service styles in pubs; this report explores how convenience, experience, and connection are driving consumer behaviour.

Discover all of this, and more, with insights from 5,000 GB consumers.

What's in the report?

  • Key findings from our 2025 consumer research series
  • The shift in consumers’ preferred booking times – and why they’re going out earlier
  • Demand for elevated experiences in hospitality
  • The new ways guests are engaging with pubs

The new age of pub service

Exclusive research from Zonal and CGA by NIQ reveals the new styles of service consumers want from pubs; the top appealing factors, and barriers, to pub visits; and how Gen Z’s sentiment towards pubs differs from other generations.

Pubs remain a cornerstone of British communities, providing a vital social space for consumers, as well as offering up fantastic hospitality. With the continued rise of digital ordering solutions, a shift towards pre-booking rather than the more traditional spontaneous visit, and the emerging trend of queueing rather than spacing out along the bar, the way consumers are engaging with pubs is changing.

But what is driving the shift towards these new styles of service? What are the main factors drawing consumers to pubs—and what barriers are they facing? And what groups of consumers are seeing the greatest behavioural change?

This exclusive research, produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ, surveyed 5,000 British consumers to find out these answers, and more.

What's in the report?

  • Consumer demand for new vs traditional service styles in pubs
  • What Gen Z want from the pub
  • The top factors that drive pub visits
  • The top barriers to pub visits

Discover the latest consumer trends in hospitality

From who the influential consumers are and how to reach them, to expectations during the customer journey, and the role hospitality plays in consumers’ social lives, our GO Technology research series explores some of the key issues impacting our industry. Download our free reports for access to insights from over 5,000 British consumers.

Insights into the customer journey

Build loyalty. Drive revenue. Deliver an exceptional guest experience.

From expert insights and advice, to exclusive research, podcasts, and more, we’ve created the ultimate Loyalty Hub for hospitality marketers; packed full of resources to help you boost customer advocacy and keep guests coming back for more.

The social value of hospitality

Exclusive research from Zonal and CGA by NIQ, in partnership with UKHospitality, reveals the important role hospitality plays in local communities, and the public's call for greater support from the Government.

Hospitality plays a central role in consumers’ social lives, as well as in their local communities – providing valuable employment opportunities, vibrancy, and a vital space to socialise with friends and family.

With hospitality venues making up two thirds of consumers’ favourite local venues, our sector sits at the heart of the high street. But why does hospitality matter so much to consumers? Which venue types are most likely to be a guest’s favourite? How does hospitality engagement differ by age and location? And do consumers think hospitality needs greater support from the Government?

Discover all of this, and more, in this exclusive research produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ and UKHospitality, featuring insights from over 5,000 British hospitality consumers.

What's in the report?

  • Why hospitality matters to consumers
  • The top factors that make a venue feel special to guests
  • Consumers’ favourite high street venue types
  • The difference in engagement and perception by age and urbanicity

More Than a Meal

Consumers are going out less often, but when they do, they want it to be special.

The research, produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ, surveyed 5,000 British consumers to find out what consumers want when dining or drinking out.

With the rising cost of living and tighter budgets, many people are cutting back on how often they eat and drink out and instead choosing to treat themselves with more special, memorable experiences.

From tasting menus, bottomless brunches and interactive activities, discover how you can encourage guests to book, spend and return by offering more than a meal.

What's in the report?

Key findings:

  • The reasons why elevated experiences appeal to consumers
  • The top 10 experiences guests want when they go out
  • How hospitality businesses can get elevated experiences right

Why 6:12pm is the new 8pm

Exclusive research from Zonal and CGA by NIQ reveals a shift in consumer behaviour towards going out earlier when visiting pubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as the factors influencing this shift.

Consumer behaviour is shifting towards going out earlier, with the new preferred start time for consumers’ bookings at pubs, bars, and restaurants now sitting at 6:12pm.

This marks a continuance of a trend that started post-pandemic, with consumers increasingly favouring convenience when it comes to their visits to hospitality venues. But what are the key factors that are influencing this shift towards earlier booking times? Which consumers are seeing the biggest behavioural shifts? And what are the biggest priorities for guests when choosing to visit hospitality venues earlier?

This research, produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ, surveyed 5,000 British consumers to find out these answers, and more.

What's in the report?

  • Guests’ preferred booking times when going out
  • The top reasons consumers are choosing to go out earlier, and why they may choose to go out later
  • Which groups of consumers are seeing the largest change in behaviour
  • Consumers’ top priorities when choosing what time to go out

Pub Accommodation Review 2025

Exclusive research into consumer and operator sentiment towards the UK pub accommodation sector, produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ, Stay In a Pub, and VisitEngland.

Amidst high demand for UK accommodation, there’s huge growth potential for UK pubs to boost revenue by making rooms a core part of their offering.

Whether it’s a friendly welcome, high quality food and drink, or a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, a stay in a pub holds broad appeal for many consumers. But what are the key factors that influence guests in choosing to book a stay in a pub? How can pubs with rooms reach more guests? And what are the potential barriers causing guests to choose to stay elsewhere?

This report, produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ, Stay In a Pub, and VisitEngland, provides an in-depth exploration of current guest sentiment towards the UK pub accommodation sector from both guests and businesses; identifying where the opportunity lies for pubs that invest in accommodation, as well as the view from pub accommodation operators.

What's in the report?

  • What guests want from their stay in a pub
  • How are guests choosing where to stay?
  • How operators can capitalise on the pub accommodation opportunity
  • The top challenges facing pub accommodation providers

Hotels and consumers: Guest expectations and how to meet them in 2025

This exclusive research report explores consumers’ engagement with the UK hotel market, what they expect during their stay, and how hoteliers can make the most of the opportunity.

Both domestically and abroad, the demand for accommodation remains high, with 78% of consumers having stayed in a hotel in 2024.

But guests’ engagement with hotels is evolving. With more discovery tools at their disposal than ever, and plenty of choice when it comes to the type of accommodation they want to stay in, it’s vital for hoteliers and operators to understand guest behaviour to stay ahead of the game.

This report, produced in partnership with CGA by NIQ, surveyed over 3,000 British consumers to provide a deep dive into what it is guests are looking for when booking a stay in a hotel; including how often, and for what reasons, guests are staying in UK hotels, their engagement with F&B during their stay, and the factors that influence their choice of hotel when booking a stay.

What's in the report?

  • The top five visit trends for UK hotels
  • The top reasons guests are visiting hotels
  • How guests are deciding where to stay, and factors influencing their decisions
  • Guests’ engagement with hotel F&B during their stay