Tourists’ Spending Rose by a Yearly 6% in H1 2017

According to Global Blue, tourist spending in Lebanon rose by a yearly 6% in H1 2017, compared to the same period last year. The rise is mainly attributed to an increasing tourist spending by GCC nationals fueled by the recovering tourism sector in Lebanon.

With the GCC governments (except the UAE) lifting the travel bans against Lebanon, the number of incomers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait doubled to stand at 23,515 and 15,246 by May 2017 compared to 12,446 and 7,884, respectively, by May 2016.

As such, the largest bulk of tourist spending corresponded to Saudi visitors with a share of 15% of the total, followed by 12% for Emirati nationals, and 7% for Kuwaiti tourists. Tourist spending by Saudi and Kuwaiti visitors rose by 19% and 47%, respectively, by June 2017 compared to the same period of 2016, while spending by Emirati tourists fell by 7% over the same period.

In terms of spending categories, fashion and clothing captured the bulk of tourist spending with a share of 70% of the total, followed by 16% for watches and jewelry. It is worthy to mention that spending on fashion and clothing, as well as watches and jewelry improved by 5% and 1% year-on-year (y-o-y), respectively, by June 2017.  Spending on souvenirs and gifts and in Department stores significantly rose by a yearly 47% and 23% by June 2017.

81% of total tourists’ spending was concentrated in the capital Beirut, while the Metn captured 13% of total expenditures. While tourist spending increased by an annual 7% in Beirut, it slipped by a yearly 1% in Metn by June 2017.

On a different note, the number of refund transactions rose by 5% y-o-y by June 2017. Transactions carried out by Saudi Arabian, Kuwaiti, and Syrian tourists respectively increased by 22%, 58%, and 53%, while those of Egyptians, Emiratis, and Jordanians plunged by 29%, 7%, and 5%, respectively.

Yearly Spending Evolution by Top Incomers in H1 2017

Tourists’ Spending Rose by a Yearly 6% in H1 2017

Source: Gobal Blue Tourist Spending Report

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