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Tourists’ tax-free spending up 36 percent in first quarter

Tax-free spending in Lebanon during the first quarter of 2012 rose by 36 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a report published by tax refund services firm, Global Blue. 

The report only counts purchases by tourists whose VAT was claimed.

Saudi tourists accounted for 22 percent of tax-free spending, followed by visitors from the UAE at 12 percent. Kuwaiti visitors accounted for nine percent of spending, followed by visitors from Egypt atseven percent, and Syrian visitors at five percent. 

The report indicated that Syrian visitors spent 15 percent less than they did in the first three months of 2011. However, spending by visitors from all other nationalities was on the rise. 

Saudi visitors spent 63 percent more than they did in the year before. Spending by Qatari and Egyptian tourists also rose by 61 percent and 54 percent respectively. Spending by visitors from Kuwait and the UAE was up by 45 and 40 percent respectively.

Spending on fashion and clothing accounted for 74 percent of the total, followed by watches at12 percent.
The bulk of tax-free shopping was in Beirut which received 86 percent of tourist shopping business, while the Metn received 11 percent of the total. 

Reported by Hanadi Chami