Visa contactless transactions grew 30% during the 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 

The surge in contactless adoption reflects a shift toward seamless and secure payment experiences, as this technology continues to redefine the country’s payment landscape.

Port of Spain, March 3, 2026 – Visa, a world leader in digital payments, announced today that contactless transactions made with all Visa payment methods during the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, held from February 16–17, 2026, increased 30% compared to last year’s event.

Digital payments have entered a sustained growth phase in Trinidad and Tobago, fundamentally transforming how locals and visitors experience major cultural celebrations. According to an analysis by Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), this year’s Carnival also saw a more than 20% rise in cross border transactions compared to the previous year, consolidating this major cultural event as a powerful driver of international tourism and digital commerce for the country.

“The data from Visa Consulting & Analytics confirms that digital payments are reshaping consumer experiences in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Jorge Salum, Country Manager, Visa Trinidad and Tobago. “With contactless transactions increasing significantly year-over-year, it is clear that both locals and tourists are embracing the convenience, speed, and security of contactless payments. We are proud to support national initiatives that modernize the economy, enabling even the smallest vendors to keep pace with changing consumer preferences through a safe and seamless digital infrastructure.”

Highlights from Visa transactions recorded during the 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Carnival include:

 

  • International Tourists: The Carnival continues to reinforce Trinidad and Tobago’s appeal as an international tourist destination. The highest volume of international transactions came from visitors from United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
  • Spending Categories: The categories with the highest transaction volume among both international and local tourists—across face to face and online channels—were supermarkets, fast food restaurants and gas stations. 

 

VCA’s consulting team analyzed data related to consumer transactions that took place via VisaNet from February 16 to 17, 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago compared to the period of March 3 to 4, 2025, excluding Visa Direct-related transactions and spend. These growth percentages relate to transactions in U.S. dollars and local currency.

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About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.