An in-depth look into the report reveals that spending by Syrian tourists has significantly increased by a considerable 62 percent until the end of June, leading growth in tourist-spending, with the tourists claiming nine percent of total VAT refunds for the period.

Spending by Egyptians, increased substantially by 45 percent, the second-highest rise in spending after Syrian tourists, constituting nine percent of overall spending, and tying with Syrian tourists in fourth place.

Spending figures represent purchases in Lebanon by tourists whose VAT was claimed, Global Refund explained.

UAE tourists were third largest spenders in Lebanon in the first half of the year, with their claims making up 11 percent of total refunds for the period, but spending by UAE visitors has conservatively grown, by only 12 percent.

Kuwaitis, on the other hand, have slightly increased their spending, by only two percent over the period, showed the report, coming in third place in terms of the spending figures, accounting for ten percent of the total refunded claims figure.

According to Global Blue, spending was concentrated in Beirut, which received 83 percent of overall spending, ahead of the Metn, which had a 13 percent share, and Keserwan at two percent.