Survey: Slovaks Went Out to Eat and Drink More Often This Summer than pre-COVID

Bratislava, 7 November (TASR) - Slovaks' preferences when it comes to visiting hospitality venues during the spring and summer months have changed significantly over the past seven years. A recent survey carried out by Plzensky Prazdroj Slovakia showed that while 64 percent of the respondents visited such establishments at least once in two weeks between April and September in 2019, the figure rose to as much as around 75 percent this year. Restaurants remain the most popular choice, while traditional pubs have seen a decline in interest over the past seven years. While alcoholic beer remains a significant part of what Slovaks order during the summer season, it accounted for only 31 percent of the volume of beverages sold in the hospitality sector this year - a drop from nearly half during the same period (April to September) of 2019. However, the quality of draught beer remains one of the most important factors influencing overall satisfaction with the establishments visited. According to the survey, alcoholic beer made up some 47 percent of the total volume of beverages sold by hospitality venues between April and September in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. In 2026, the share had fallen to 31 percent, with non-alcoholic beverages now taking the top spot. After a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, non-alcoholic beer has been gradually gaining ground, currently accounting for 11 percent of beverages sold in the hospitality sector during the spring and summer months. The types of venues that Slovaks visit during the spring and summer have also changed significantly over the past seven years. Survey data show that before the coronavirus pandemic, 22 percent of such visits were to traditional pubs, compared with just 13 percent in 2026. Conversely, Slovaks are increasingly likely to opt for restaurants when going out. These made up 29 percent of visits in 2019, rising to 32 percent this year. According to the survey, visits to bars declined during the coronavirus pandemic and have failed to recover to the 9 percent posted in 2019. They currently account for just 4 percent of visits. Cafes and cake shops, meanwhile, have maintained a relatively stable share of some 9 percent over the long term. ko/df/am