June 18, 2011- VAT-refunded spending by visitors from Egypt dropped by 27 percent in the first five months of 2011, followed by visitors from Jordan with a 16 percent drop in spending, according to figures released by Global Blue, the VAT refund operator for international shoppers.

Saudi Arabian visitors’ spending fell 10 percent, while spending by visitors from Kuwait and Qatar fell by five percent each, Global Blue’s ‘Insights into Tourist Spending’ said.

The report said spending by UAE visitors rose in May by nine percent. 

According to Global Blue, Saudi Arabian tourists spent the most in the first five months of 2011, accounting for 20 percent of total tourist spending. Visitors from the UAE came in second in terms of tourist spending in the country with 12 percent. Kuwaiti and Syrian visitors followed with nine and eight percent respectively, while visitors from Egypt accounted for six percent of the total spending.

Spending by tourists from other countries accounted for 45 percent.

The report said spending on fashion and clothing accounted for 70 percent of total spending, followed by watches with 10 percent, and perfumes and cosmetics with five percent.

Spending on perfumes and cosmetics increased by 23 percent in the first five months of 2011, while spending on fashion and clothing witnessed a six percent rise.