The pandemic adversely disrupted the leisure and hospitality industry with multiple lockdowns forcing companies to pivot their business models to survive. Key trends include:

• Managing accumulating debt, combined with low revenues and increasing rent costs.
• Rapid demand and greater working capital requirements as restrictions ended.
• Consolidation due to prior overexpansion and cost-burden of the ‘new normal’ including staff shortages.
• Implementing contactless interactions through mobile apps and Near Field Communication (NFC)
• Upgrading hygiene and safety measures to offset customer concerns.
• Adoption of smart, internet-connected systems to minimise contact points.