During the first weekend of the Olympic Games in Paris, approximately three-quarters of international purchases were made using contactless payments, highlighting the growing popularity and convenience of this payment method. According to Visa, 78% of these transactions were contactless, representing a 9% increase compared to the same weekend a year earlier. As the Official Payment Technology Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Visa has spent the last three years building a custom payment network across Paris and beyond, ensuring that contactless payments are accepted at 3,500 points of sale at the Games' venues.

Visa's efforts have not only facilitated a seamless payment experience for visitors but also boosted consumer spending during the Games' opening weekend. Charlotte Hogg, CEO of Visa Europe, noted a significant increase in consumer spending among Visa cardholders during the Opening Ceremony Weekend. She particularly highlighted the rise in spending at French small businesses, which saw a 26% year-on-year increase in sales from Visa cardholders. This surge can be attributed in part to Visa's efforts over the last four years to help 13 million small businesses across Europe digitize and connect with spectators through tools like the Visa Go app. The app, designed for Olympic Games attendees who are Visa cardholders, offers unique experiences, exclusive content, and updates on Team Visa athletes' progress.

In addition to the boost in spending in Paris, other cities hosting Olympic events also experienced significant year-over-year increases. Saint-Etienne saw a remarkable 214% rise, while Lille and Marseille reported increases of 100% and 38%, respectively. U.S. Visa cardholders accounted for the largest share of overseas spending at 29%, with Japanese Visa cardholders showing the most significant year-over-year increase at 129%. Furthermore, in the lead-up to the Games, there was a 39% increase in flight bookings to Paris and a 120% rise in travel to Paris by travelers under the age of 35, reflecting the global excitement and economic impact generated by the 2024 Paris Olympics.