BEIRUT: Beirut took in an overwhelming majority of tourist receipts during this year’s first quarter, a report by the Global Blue tax refund group showed. A survey of shopping transactions de-taxed by tourists revealed that Beirut received 84 percent of total tourist spending so far in 2011, with the Keserwan and Metn region receiving the second largest share of foreign receipts at 12 percent. Saudi Arabian tourists were the biggest spenders this year, accounting for 18 percent of tourist transactions. Tourists hailing from the United Arab Emirates ranked second in terms of tourist spending in Lebanon, with Kuwait and Syria having been tied at third place. Overall tourist spending has fallen significantly in recent months with tourist inflows having dropped by 13 percent year-on-year in 2011’s first quarter. Tourist transactions have occurred primarily in the national fashion industry, accounting for 69 percent of tourist receipts.