As global tourist numbers revert to pre-pandemic levels, the United Kingdom is missing out due to a government policy that prohibits duty-free shopping.
Analysis by the tax-free shopping data company Global Blue reveals that American tourists now spend more than three times as much on duty-free products in France and Spain as they did prior to the 2019 pandemic.
London’s crowded streets nevertheless lose visitor spend.
Last year, GCC travelers visiting Britain spent 35% less than they did before the Covid pandemic, but they spent twice as much in France and 66% more in Italy.
Global Blue data revealed that American tourists are now spending more than three times as much on duty-free products in France and Spain as they did prior to the pandemic in 2019.
Since the British government requires tourists to pay VAT, they choose EU countries.
As Europe and the United Kingdom head into the busy spring and summer tourist seasons, prominent British business figures have once again urged the government to reintroduce duty-free shopping so that retailers can compete with their European Union counterparts.