July figure grows by 42 per cent
Tax-free shopping sales rose by 42 per cent in July, according to the latest statistics from Global Refund. The total number of transactions rose by 17 per cent.

Global Refund said oil-rich countries were continuing their strong influence. Maintaining the trend seen in previous months, sales increases were largely driven by visitors from the Middle East. Sales to visitors from the region rose by 38 per cent compared to the same month last year, and accounted for a 30 per cent share of total sales.

Transactions to Japanese tourists fell by 6 per cent, but there were increases in all other Asian groups: China (42 per cent), Pakistan (39 per cent), India (17 per cent) and Hong Kong (15 per cent).

The Global Refund Monthly Index report stated: 'While these figures have been aided by the recent Sale season, this positive trend will continue thanks to the increasing price of oil.'