A snapshot of facts found in this week's news

A new survey has revealed how during the festive period people will not be eating out as much as they did over Christmas last year.

Nearly three quarters (74%) of consumers claim the credit crunch has hit their dining out plans for Christmas and New Year – with 81% of respondents expecting to dine out less this year, compared to 2007.

The findings revealed that while the majority were scaling back on festivities, nearly a quarter of consumers (23%) were adamant the credit crunch would have no impact on their dining out plans – with an estimated 8% committed to enjoying Christmas lunch in a restaurant.

It appears many diners are also going to see how the festive mood takes them, with 17% saying they are just 'not sure' if it's going to be a 'cut back' Christmas or whether they will dine out more or less frequently, compared to this time last year.

UK hoteliers continue to feel the squeeze as room rates, occupancy and room yields plummet due to the knock on effect of the global economic crisis, reported PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.

In London, room rate was down 5.6% on the same period last year from £137.29 to £129.93, while occupancy fell 6.0% to 79.5%. These figures meant rooms yield saw a decline of 11.1% to £103.32.

In the regions, the picture was not much brighter. Room rate was down 2.0% from £76.68 in 2007 to £75.17 this year while occupancy fell 5.6% to 69.3%. Overall, rooms yield was down from £56.23 in 2007 to £52.06 in 2008, a drop of 8.0%.

UK consumers plan to spend less on food and drink this festive season, according to a Christmas Retail survey published by the business advisory firm Deloitte.

It is socialising where the biggest cutbacks are planned, with an average of £126 expected to be spent on socialising this year, a 12% decrease from last year.

But it's not all bad news for pubs and restaurants. Whilst total spend in all categories is expected to decline, 57% of UK consumers say they intend to spend the same this Christmas as they did last year. For many people in the UK it will be Christmas as usual.

People living in London plan on spending the most this year at £158, followed by those living in Northern Ireland who plan to spend £155. People living in the North East are expected to spend the least – just £90 each.

Those aged 35-44 are the biggest spenders on socialising with an average spend of £161.  Older age groups are expected to spend the least with those over 65 planning to spend just £74.