The European Audiovisual Observatory reports that 2021 turned out to be another difficult year for the cinema sector in Europe. Multiple factors, like the ongoing closures of cinemas, particularly in the first half of the year, the negative effect of attendance restrictions, possible hesitancy among audiences to return to cinemas, the return of US studio blockbusters and the differing strength of local films, contributed to the European theatrical markets making progress, but rather slow progress, in returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Cinema attendance in the EU and the UK increased by 31.5 per cent from 299 million in 2020 to 394 million in 2021. However, this level accounts for only 40 per cent of the average pre-pandemic admission level registered between 2017 and 2019. Similarly, GBO grew by 38.2 per cent from €2.1 billion to an estimated €2.9 billion, accounting for only 42 per cent of pre-pandemic box office levels.
Source: Report: European cinema sector making slow recovery | Advanced Television