Visa claims World Cup victory

Visa transactions by international visitors in South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup rose 70 percent to $312m, as the payments giant marked its first ever sponsorship of the football tournament.

The number of transactions from June 1 to July 11 rose 79 percent to 2.2 million from 1.2 million during the same 41 days in 2009.

Visa spending data indicated the greatest percentage of contributors came from the United States with 19.05 percent, followed closely by the UK with 19.03 percent, Australia 4.7 percent, Brazil 4.2 percent and France 3.4 percent. These five countries alone accounted for 51 percent of spending.

Over 90 percent of spending was in typical leisure and business travel categories – accommodation, restaurants, retail, car rental and air travel.

Source: BTN

15.07.10