Shanghai Two Sessions Propose Ways to Boost Foreign Tourist Spending

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Members of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference have proposed several ideas to encourage international visitors to spend more during the city’s annual Two Sessions.

It was suggested that Shanghai could emulate Singapore’s electronic tourist refund program by integrating tax, customs, and port data to develop a stand-alone, multi-language tax refund mini-application or website. This platform would feature store location maps, a real-time exchange rate calculator for tax refunds, online guidance through the refund process, and other user-friendly services. Such a service would help foreign tourists better understand the value of shopping in Shanghai and enhance their overall experience.

Last year, the city experienced a 40% increase in inbound tourists, reaching a record high of 9.36 million visitors. To further boost international shopping, it was recommended that Shanghai expand the use of “refund at purchase” duty-free rebates across more shopping centers, deploy more multilingual staff at port tax refund desks, and optimize the queue management system during busy refund hours. These measures aim to prevent tourists from abandoning refunds due to long wait times.

Additionally, leveraging the Tax-Free Shanghai brand as a marketing tool and translating it into multilingual promotional materials could help promote the city’s retail offerings globally. Building Shanghai into an “Oriental Shopping Paradise” through strategic branding and advertising is seen as vital.

To align with the standards of top-tier global cities, Shanghai’s service level in international shopping must be elevated. Local businesses should develop tailored consumption models and experiences to attract more overseas visitors. The Yuyuan area will continue to focus on establishing a “Shanghai International Jewelry Fashion District”—aiming to attract the world’s leading jewelry supply chains and related companies, and to provide comprehensive supporting services.

Huang Zhen, chair of Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group, emphasized that Yuyuan will showcase and promote top global jewelry brands, facilitate customer engagement, and enhance the area’s international shopping functions. This includes bilingual services, seamless payment options, tax refunds for departing tourists, and quick delivery services for international visitors.

To unlock more of the overseas tourist spending potential, Shanghai has launched major events such as the May 5 Shopping Festival, the “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season, and the Shanghai International Light Festival. These initiatives aim to promote international commerce through combined efforts in culture, tourism, sports, and exhibitions.