Card company says spending up on leisure and holidays

The signs of economic recovery are evident in the latest snapshot showing increased discretionary spending on leisure, holidays and even Valentine’s gifts.

The 11% rise in February — compared to February 2015 — by households includes a 21% jump in spending recreation and culture, according to Visa Europe’s Irish consumer spending index. That category includes sharp rises in outlay on the likes of cinema tickets and sporting goods, while an 18% jump was seen on spending in hotels, restaurants and bars.

While the year-on-year data includes the extra day due to the leap year — or 3.5% more days than February 2015 — the overall spending rise is still the biggest in any month since the company began tracking Irish spending 18 months ago.