Tax-free purchases by Chinese tourists in Latvia double

The number of tax-free purchases made by Chinese tourists in Latvia doubled during the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same period a year ago, Vineta Kalmane, head of Global Blue Latvia tax refund service provider, told local media.

"The number of Chinese tourists has increased. This year, they mostly visited Latvia in transit, traveling from Finland or on Baltic tours," said Kalmane.

With more tourists from China actively claiming VAT refunds on their purchases, the increase recorded this year was substantial, she added.

Kalmane said the most popular goods bought by Chinese tourists in Latvia included clothes and accessories, and that amber -- both raw and polished -- was also in high demand.

Tax-free services are available in more than 1,200 stores in the Latvian capital Riga. Refunds can be claimed by tourists who are not residents of the European Union (EU).