Global Blue Releases the Monthly Tax Free Shopping Business Update for December 2022

In Continental Europe, recovery has reached 107%^[1] in December 2022 vs. the same period in 2019. Within reopened travel corridors^[2], the recovery reached 145%^[1].

In terms of origin markets, Global Blue data shows a sustained recovery across most nationalities. US nationals’ recovery reached 244% vs. the same period in 2019, while Gulf Cooperation Council citizens reached 207%vs. the same period in 2019.

Asian shopper recovery continues to progress with South East Asia shopper recovery reaching 142%^[1] vs. the same period in 2019. Hong Kong and Taiwanese shopper recovery reached 80% vs. the same period in 2019. This development follows the loosening of quarantine restrictions for return travelers.

Regarding destination markets, the recovery dynamic remains firm across many European destinations. The recovery was predominantly led by Portugal at 148%^[1], Greece at 134%^[1],France at 131%^[1], Switzerland at 114%^[1], Spain at 109%^[1] and Italy at 94%^[1].

The removal of sanitary measures in Japan and South Korea has contributed to a rapid recovery in the Asia Pacific region. In December, this recovery reached 90%^[1] vs. the same period in 2019. Within reopened travel corridors^[3], the recovery reached 151%^[1].

In terms of origin markets, Hong Kong and Taiwan nationals are fueling the recovery at 381%^[1] in December vs. the same period in 2019. This was followed by North East Asia nationals at 174%^[1] and South East Asia nationals at 132%^[1]. This development for Asian shopper nationalities is thanks to the reopening of all corridors (excluding mainland China).

Regarding destination markets, Japan is leading the recovery with 107%^[1]. After Japan, recovery was closely followed by Singapore at 74%^[1] and South Korea at 65%^[1].

On January 8, 2023, China re-opened its borders, ​ending a three-year hiatus on outbound tourism. The developments include removing the requirement for inbound travelers to quarantine and test upon arrival if they have undergone a test within 48 hours before departure. Resuming passport issuance for Chinese nationals and the removal of limitations of international passenger flights are also key changes.

• Gulf Cooperation Council countries include: Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman
• South East Asia includes: Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore
• North East Asia includes: Japan, Korea

[1] Recovery rate is equal to 2022 Issued Sales in Store divided by 2019 Issued Sales in Store, like-for-like (i.e.: at constant merchant scope and exchange rates).
[2] Open corridor is defined as a travel line between two countries, where there is no more sanitary or visa restrictions to go in the destination country and to come back in the origin country.
[3] Recovery rate is equal to 2022 issued Sales in Store divided by 2019 Issued Sales in Store, like-for-like (i.e.: at constant merchant scope and exchange rates).