Jul 11, 2011 at 12:38 PM
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Visa Study Shows Spending Pop That 'Mega-Events' Generate

Olympics and FIFA sponsor, Visa, has released a new report that aims to show the effects of mega-sporting events and the impact they have on tourism spending in host countries. For each of the three events analyzed, Visa revealed payment card expenditure growth percentages during the event compared to the year prior:

  • 82 percent for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
  • 93 percent for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games
  • 15 percent for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games


    "These three events have been catalysts of economic recovery for the host country and nations surrounding it in terms of international tourism spending. Electronic payments play a crucial role in facilitating this sustainable tourism growth. They ease the difficulties travelers face when making purchases in other countries," said Antonio Lucio, Visa's chief marketing officer.

    Visa has sponsored the Olympics since 1986 and is one of six global FIFA partners.

    #newstag