UK Leisure Industry Flourishes: Christie & Co Announces 125% Increase in Business Sales
The United Kingdom’s leisure and tourism sector is witnessing an unprecedented revival, as revealed by the newly released Christie & Co Leisure Market Review 2026 by Christie Group plc (LSE: CTG). The yearly report discloses a striking 125% surge in leisure business sales transactions in the first half of 2026 compared to the same time frame in 2025, indicating robust investor faith in the sector.
The review encompasses transaction activity, buyer demand, tourism trends, and investment interest across the UK’s leisure sector. It also discovered that the average deal completion times have plummeted by 28% since 2021, signifying a more efficient and dynamic market. Christie & Co registered over 840 new buyer registrations in merely the first six months of 2026, expanding its total database of registered leisure buyers to over 13,000.
Holiday parks have emerged as the standout asset class, with Christie & Co advising on or valuing holiday park assets worth more than £346 million from January to September 2026. Total leisure business valuations in H1 2026 exceeded £390 million. Demand is particularly high from multi-site operators in garden centres, marinas, and holiday parks.
The report also underscores a rising trend towards mixed-use leisure models, with operators incorporating food and beverage, wellness, and retail elements to enhance profitability and attract investment. The forecast for the UK leisure industry moving into the final quarter of 2026 is portrayed as decidedly optimistic.
Source: Investegate – Christie & Co publishes Leisure Market Review 2026