Middle Eastern tourists are fuelling demand for cosmetics in Turkey, according to a report published by The Daily Sabah.

Middle Eastern shoppers are reported to spend three times more than the average local shopper, with baskets often totting up to TL10,000 in a single visit. Products of particular interest include fragrances based on notes of oud, rose and amber and make-up.  “Some days we only sell to Middle Eastern tourists,” a representative for MAC’s Istanbul store told The Daily Sabah. “In fact, the number of customers who want make-up is also quite large. Many give the products they have purchased as gifts to their friends in their countries, while others sell them.”

The region is also fast-becoming the Turkish cosmetics market’s best export prospect, accounting for 60 percent of total cosmetics exports (valued at US$1.2 billion in 2015). Iran is fast-becoming an important market, particularly for the Turkish hair care, make-up and skin care sectors.