Valentine’s weekend is fast approaching. For the French, Valentine’s Day is a celebration to “let go” financially, claims Anthony Mahé, sociologist at the Observatory of Society and Consumer Affairs (Obsoco).
Half of those who plan to celebrate the day of love say they budget about €49, but this can quickly reach €150 or €200, which explains why two-thirds of bookings recorded by Weekendesk for this period are for 4- and 5-star hotels.
In the UK, 28% of those polled think that Valentine’s Day is “a waste of money” while 9% currently in a relationship answered they’d “ignore Valentine’s Day if they could be sure their partner would agree with the decision”.
On average, British consumers will dole out £22.58 (€26.14), £26 (€30) in London, with 23% of this year’s total Valentine’s expenditure – around £163 million (€188 million) – spent be on dining out.
In the US, the annual survey released last week by the National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts total consumer spending on Valentine’s Day will hit $18.2 billion (€16.87 billion), down $1.5 billion last year, ending a decade-long Valentine’s Day trend.
According to the NRF, American consumers will spend an average $136.57 (€126.62), compared to last year’s “record-high” $146.84 (€136.15).
“Valentine’s Day continues to be a popular gift-giving occasion even if consumers are being more frugal this year,” commented NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “This is one day of the year when millions find a way to show their loved ones they care regardless of their budget.”
There are no official statistics about how Valentine’s Day is observed in Monaco but Heli Air is offering couples a romantic weekend in Monaco from €181 per person.
Highlights of the lower-priced package include a night in a double-room at a three-star hotel in the Principality with breakfast, a shuttle service between the heliport and the hotel, a romantic welcome with rose petals, sweet treats and half a bottle of champagne, plus a six-minute helicopter flight in Monaco. For a little extra, the deluxe package features a return Nice-Côte d’Azur airport-Monaco shuttle and an upgrade to a classic double-room (€275/pp).
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