多地“离境退税”服务再升级 “中国Shopping”更“丝滑”

Core Insights - The popularity of "China travel" and "China shopping" continues to rise, with inbound tourists increasingly engaging in shopping experiences, driven by improved tax refund policies [1][9] Group 1: Tax Refund System Enhancements - As of August 2023, the number of domestic tax refund stores has exceeded 10,000, with a decrease in the minimum refund threshold and accelerated refund processes [1][9] - The "city-wide shopping, one-stop tax refund" model launched in Beijing in May 2023 has expanded to cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, and Chongqing, with concentrated refund points established in major tourist shopping areas [5][9] Group 2: Growth in Shanghai's Tax Refund Business - Shanghai, as one of the first pilot cities for tax refunds, saw the number of tax refund stores increase from 777 at the end of last year to 1,530 by August 2023, nearly doubling [7] - The sales of tax refund eligible goods in Shanghai have surged, with a year-on-year increase of 85%, and over 80,000 tourists from 169 countries and regions have utilized the tax refund service [7] Group 3: Overall Growth in Inbound Tourism and Shopping - In the first eight months of 2023, the number of foreign tourists benefiting from tax refunds increased by 247.8%, with sales of tax refund goods and the total refund amount rising by 97.5% and 96.9% respectively [9] - The continuous optimization of the tax refund system has significantly enhanced the attractiveness of "China travel," stimulating inbound consumer activity [9]