Chinese consumers spent a record high of $7.2 billion outside the country during the Spring Festival holiday (January 22-28), according to a recent survey by the World Luxury Association.

Europe remained the top destination for luxury shoppers during the seven-day holiday with a 46-percent market share. Chinese tourists contributed 62 percent of luxury sales in Europe during the holiday.

Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan accounted for 35 percent while north America took the remaining 19 percent, with Chinese travelers contributing one third to its sales.

The association said the Chinese consumers were the biggest luxury buying force during the holiday, with watches, leather goods, fashion clothes and cosmetics topping their shopping lists.