Chinese Tax-Free Shopping spend dropped into negative growth falling -24% year-on-year in March 2016 according to last month’s Globe Shopper Report by Global Blue.
Schengen biometric visa demands – ease of obtaining a visa is an important consideration for 22% of regular Chinese travellers when choosing a holiday destination according to the report. And, May and October set to be busy months for travel as Chinese tourists take advantage of public holidays.
Despite the recent negative growth, Chinese shoppers remain the largest Tax Free Shopping market, accounting for a third of global sales. Shopping remains a hugely important part of the holiday experience for regular Chinese travellers, as 81% of those planning international travel in 2016 will shop during their trip.
China had 109 million outbound tourists who spent a total amount of US$229 billion on shopping in 2015 according to GFK.
The Global Blue report also shows that the average shopping budget of Chinese shoppers will be 25,902 yuan per trip to Europe and 18,398 yuan per trip to Asia.
Also read: 220 Million Chinese to Travel Overseas in 2025