• Fresh data from Global Blue reveals that the global dynamic recovery for Tax Free Shopping accelerated across Continental Europe and Asia Pacific.
• Globally, issued Sales in Store like-for-like recovery reached 153%¹ in April 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, vs. 140%¹ in Q1 2024.

An accelerating worldwide recovery, compared to 2019 levels

In Continental Europe, April 2024 recovery is ahead of Q1 ‘24 recovery, reaching 137%¹ in April vs. 128%¹ in Q1 ‘24, driven by a strong recovery in Spain (166%¹), France (158%¹) and Italy (145%¹).

Regarding origin markets, US shopper recovery accelerated, reaching 336%¹ in April vs. 307%¹ in Q1 ’24. The shift of the Ramadan period negatively impacted GCC recovery², which stood at 198%¹ in April vs. 277%¹ in Q1 ‘24.

In Asia Pacific, the recovery rate reached a record level at 194%¹ in April vs. 166%¹ in Q1 ‘24, fueled by a strong performance in Japan (272%¹) and South Korea (144%¹).

In terms of origin markets, travelers from Hong Kong and Taiwan continue to lead the recovery, reaching 517%¹ in April vs. 502%¹ in Q1 ‘24. Following behind are North East Asia travelers, with a recovery rate of 323%¹ in April vs. 287%¹ in Q1 ‘24.

In terms of Mainland Chinese shoppers, the worldwide issued Sales in Store like-for-like recovery reached 112%¹ in April vs. 101%¹ in Q1 ‘24. Within Continental Europe, Mainland Chinese shopper recovery reached 68%¹ in April, in line with the previous two months. In Asia Pacific, Mainland Chinese shopper recovery accelerates, reaching 158%¹ in April vs. 125%¹ in Q1 ’24.

A strong year-on-year performance for international shopping

When analyzing the year-on-year variation in Tax Free Shopping growth, the worldwide issued Sales in Store like-for-like year-on-year performance reached +46% in April 2024 vs. last year.

The issued Sales in Store in Continental Europe grew by +25%³ in April 2024 vs. last year, influenced by a positive dynamic across nationalities.

Regarding origin markets, the issued Sales in Stores growth was positively influenced by most nationalities, with GCC shoppers leading the way with a +87%³ growth rate in April 2024, benefiting from a positive Ramadan calendar effect⁴. They were followed by Mainland Chinese shoppers at +47%³ and US shoppers at +23%³.

In Asia Pacific, the issued Sales in Stores growth rate continues to remain high, reaching +103%³ in April 2024 vs. last year. All nationalities contributed positively, with Mainland Chinese leading the way at +262%³ in April 2024 vs. 2023, North East shoppers at +159%³ and Hong Kong and Taiwan at +52%³.

APPENDIX

Worldwide recovery rate (versus 2019) rate

Worldwide Year-on-Year Growth Rate (2024 vs. 2023)

GLOSSARY

- 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, South Korea

ABOUT GLOBAL BLUE

Global Blue is the business partner for the shopping journey, providing technology and services to enhance the experience and drive performance.

With over 40 years of expertise, today we connect thousands of retailers, acquirers, and hotels with nearly 80 million consumers across 53 countries, in three industries: Tax Free Shopping, Payments and Post-Purchase solutions.

With over 2,000 employees, Global Blue generated €20bn Sales in Store and €311M revenue in FY 2022/23. Global Blue is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information, please visit www.globalblue.com

Global Blue Monthly Intelligence Briefing, April 2024, Source: Global Blue

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¹ Recovery rate is equal to 2024 Issued Sales in Store divided by 2019 Issued Sales in Store, like-for-like (i.e.: at constant merchant scope and exchange rates).

² Ramadan took place from March 10 to April 9 in 2024; while it took place from May 5 to June 3 in 2019.

³ Growth rate variation year-on-year (2024 vs. the same period in 2023)

⁴ Ramadan took place from March 10 to April 9 in 2024; while it took place from March 22 to April 20 in 2023.

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