Visa Reports World Cup Spending Rankings

The South African economy has seen a boost in foreign visitor spending during the lead-up to and during the group stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, according to new cardholder spending data from Visa.

During the period leading up to the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup and the end of the group stage (Tuesday, 1 June through Friday, 25 June), spending by international visitors in South Africa on Visa-branded payment cards exceeded US$176 million (R1.33 billion), up 65%from US$107 million (R810 million) during the same period in 2009.

 The number of transactions from 1 June through 25 June was 1.3 million (51,000 per day on average), up 74% from approximately 730,000 (29,000 a day on average) during the same 25 days in 2009.

Visa spending data indicates that the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and France have been the strongest contributors to tourism spending to date. These five countries alone accounted for 47% of spending. Over 90% of spending was in typical leisure and business travel categories - accommodation, restaurants, retail, auto rental and air travel.

 According to the 2010 South Africa Tourism Outlook report recently released by Visa, international travelers using their Visa payment cards spent more than US$1.79 billion while visiting South Africa during 2009 and $566 million during the first quarter of 2010.

Visa is one of six global FIFA partners with exclusive global category rights through 2014, and is the exclusive card for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In recognition of Visa’s sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards are the only payment cards accepted, along with cash, at all FIFA stadiums and the Onsite Stadium Merchandise Booths.

Top Contributors to Visitor Spending in South Africa from 1 - 20 June 2010, as Measured by Spending on Visa-Branded Payment Cards (US$1 = R7.57)