Tourist spending rises

Tax-free spending grew by 20 percent
in first half of 2012: Global Blue

Tax free spending increased by 20 percent in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period last year, according to data released by Global Blue Lebanon. The number of transactions for which the VAT had been claimed rose by 12 percent y-o-y.

Except for visitors from Syria, visitors from all countries did more tax-free shopping. Spending by Emiratis rose by 30 percent, followed by spending by Qataris (27 percent), Egyptians (24 percent), Kuwaitis (21 percent), and Saudis (20 percent).

However, tourist spending in the second quarter of the year fell by 20 percent from the first quarter. The drop coincided with travel warnings which the GCC countries issued in May.

Tax-free spending by visitors from Saudi Arabia accounted for 20 percent of all tourist spending. Visitors from the UAE were the second biggest spenders at 12 percent, followed by visitors from Kuwait and Egypt at nine and seven percent respectively. Spending by Syrians represented six percent, followed by Jordanians and Qataris at five and four percent respectively.

Around 86 percent of purchases were made in Beirut, 11 percent were made in Metn. Fashion and clothing accounted for 74 percent of spending, while spending on watches and jewelry made up 11 percent.

Reported by Hanadi Chami