Spending Up @ Dubai Shopping Festival 2011

Visa has reported a 37% increase in spending from overseas visitors at the Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 compared to last year.

The total amount spent on internationally-issued Visa cards in the UAE came to just over US$ 406 million throughout the duration of the DSF, compared to US$297 million for the same period last year.

Department stores benefited the most from this increase, recording a 57% growth in spending over 2010, at $13.7 million. Retail outlets came out tops in the merchant category, with a total of $133.4 million, up 49% from last year. Accommodation (hotels and apartments) reported a 25% increase, at $90.6 million; while travel and entertainment also featured highly, with a total spend of just over $29 million, up 40% from last year.

The United Kingdom remains the top spending country, with visitors spending a total of $44.5 million through the duration of the DSF. China followed close behind at almost $42 million, up 109% from previous years; while Saudi Arabia reported a total spend of $39.4 million up 83% over last year.

Sunday, 13 February 2011 recorded the highest spend by International Visa cardholders, raking in US$17.2 million in sales on that one day alone. On average, international visitors spent US$13.1 million every day during the DSF period.

Maysara Ghadban Traboulsi, Visa’s Head of Marketing Communications for MENA, said, “Over the years, the DSF has really helped to put the UAE on the map as a leading international shopping destination. Visitors from all over the world come to Dubai to take advantage of the great promotions on offer, and these results are testament to the ongoing popularity of the shopping festival.”

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Dubai, Shopping, Visa, Spending