BRITS PRIORITIZE EXPERIENCES OVER GOODS AS SPENDING HABITS SHIFT

• A new study by Mastercard reveals that more Britons are prioritising in-person experiences over discretionary spending on physical belongings this year.
• Around 88 per cent of those surveyed would redirect spending towards lived experiences, with 71 per cent considering them more important than ever.
• Two-thirds (65 per cent) are focusing on in-person activities to balance time spent online, and 62 per cent plan to attend events where technology use is discouraged.
• Travel and tourism, food-related experiences and live events are among the top choices for summer spending, alongside films, heritage and theatre.
• Experts suggest this shift reflects a growing desire for quality, human connection and nostalgia, with 50 per cent seeking nostalgia-based experiences and 53 per cent looking to book activities through small and medium-sized enterprises.

IN FULL

AI is driving UK spending habits in 2026 – but not in the way you might think

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2026-05-07T00:22:13Z