S TAT I S T I C S
State of
EUROPE
The European Health & Fitness Market Report, published this month, gives deep insights into the impact of the pandemic on the sector. Liz Terry highlights some of the key findings
D PHOTO: RSG GROUP/JOHN REED
eloitte’s annual report into the European Health and Fitness market in partnership with EuropeActive – now in its eighth edition – has assumed extraordinary significance this year, given it details the impact of the pandemic on health and fitness businesses across the continent, laying bare for the first time the full extent of the destruction wrought by COVID-19 on the sector. In introducing the report, the authors note this is the first year since records began where the market was not measured as having increased in size. As such, the report becomes a benchmark from which the industry can rebuild and track a new course, as we consider the wider opportunities for growth as revealed by the disruption.
Strong direction in this regard is given in the Foreword by Andreas Paulsen, CEO of EuropeActive, who says: “EuropeActive’s recovery strategy will focus on helping our businesses recover and come back stronger after the pandemic in order for our sector to regain and expand our positive impact on the health and wellbeing, as well as the economy, of Europe.” What’s inside The 128 page report includes all the major market numbers, country comparisons and also individual country reports, giving insights into macro economic factors, such as population size, disposal income, fitness club memberships and –usefully – average health club membership fees as a percentage of disposable income. Deloitte has also tracked the current situation with VAT around Europe, showing how differing government approaches have either supported or burdened the sector. In Romania for example, VAT on gym memberships is set at 5 per cent, while in neighbouring Hungary, it’s 27 per cent – the highest in Europe.
RSG Group held onto 91 per cent of its members during pandemic mandated closures
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