France was the top choice for global travelers but Chinese people are especially fond of going to Germany than shoppers from other regions, according to Kruger.
In addition to the fact that Chinese buyers are "very much appreciated", the quality of German goods and strong economic ties between the two nations also helped to boost Chinese people's spending in the European country.
Furthermore, the minimum amount that shoppers have to spend in order to enjoy tax benefits in Germany is significantly lower than in other countries, a hidden factor that may boost spending.
Any purchase above 25 euros qualifies for a tax refund in Germany. Overseas travelers have to spend about 250 euros on each purchase in order to enjoy a refund in Switzerland, Kruger said.
"It does not necessarily have to be goods with expensive price tags for Chinese shoppers. Less-expensive items could also have an accumulated impact on total spending," he said.
Germany's role as an important entry and exit port in Europe also attracted a large number of Chinese tourists.
The country has two major international airports in Munich and Frankfurt. Berlin will become a third major hub for Chinese tourists to enter Europe.
The average transaction size for Chinese shoppers was 875 euros last year, the highest among all nationalities, according to Global Blue. The second highest spenders were Thais, who on average spent 765 euros.
"Most of the top spenders in the past were visitors from Asian countries including Malaysia, Japan and Singapore. It reflected the overall economic development in that region," said Kruger.
Because expenses such as traveling and hotels do not include tax refunds, it is difficult to estimate the total spending of Chinese tourists, he added.
Traveling behavior
It is easy to tell Chinese travelers from other Asian nationalities because Chinese people tend to travel in groups.
Although the number of independent Chinese travelers surged over the past decade, roughly 60 to 70 percent of Chinese shoppers travel in groups, said Kruger, adding the situation is very likely to continue over the next decade or so.
"If the visa process in some European nations can be simplified, it will certainly attract more Chinese travelers in the future," he added.
Worries remain that Chinese people visiting Europe may spend less because of the thriving e-commerce business in China, which may offset Chinese people's purchasing power overseas.
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