Tourists to Greece Spend 2.5bn Euros Annually by Credit Card

Photo source: Visa Hellas

Holidaymakers to Greece in 2014 spent 2.5 billion euros on their credit cards, up by 15 percent, according to the latest figures released on Tuesday, during a VISA Hellas event titled “Growth Through Innovation”.

Foreign card spending was up by 15 percent compared to last year, reflecting ongoing growth in tourism. Based on incoming tourist Visa card transactions, British travelers come first in credit card usage in 2014, followed by American and French tourists.

Meanwhile, German and Chinese travelers recorded the largest annual increase in credit card spending at 38 percent and 49 percent respectively.

Besides cash withdrawals, consumers use plastic for hotel accommodation, travel services, car rentals and at shops, restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations.

During the VISA Hellas event, organised with the support of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), representing over 50,000 sector professionals in Greece, Visa presented its new digital wallet, the V.me.

Soon available in Greece, the V.me will offer convenience and security in online transactions as users will not have to register their card information when they make a purchase.

“We consider our collaboration with SETE to be a very important. Tourism is one of the major industries behind growth in Greece, and Visa can contribute with the products and payment services its provides. The growth of electronic commerce in conjunction with social networks and the evolution of technology provide more options and choices for consumers and businesses active in the sector,” said General Manager for Visa Europe, Nikos Kampanopoulos.