US Visa card holders contributed nearly AED3 billion to the UAE's economy last year while UAE travelers spent AED961 million through Visa card payments while visiting the US in 2008.
1(According to the latest report by Visa Inc./
1-AED2.7 billion)
"Despite a challenging economic environment, international tourism remains resilient," said Tourism Outlook: USA report from Visa Inc.
The report indicated that US visitors to the UAE were strong contributors to the national tourism economy, contributing US$733 million (AED2.7 billion) to tourism revenues in 2008, up 85 per cent from 2007.
The average purchase for travelers from the US in the UAE was US$139.69.
At the same time, Emirati travelers spent US$262 million on their Visa cards while visiting the US in 2008, a 49 per cent increase over 2007.
Kamran Seddiqi, General Manager, Visa Inc, Middle East and North Africa (Mena), said:
"Travel and tourism are key revenue streams for Visa and it is important for us to understand the travel habits of our card holders. In turn, this allows us to continue to offer value added travel rewards to our card holders and enhance the experience, convenience and security of traveling with a Visa card."
