Visa contactless transactions grew 30% during TT's 2026 Carnival

Above: Photo courtesy Visa

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 crossborder 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

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 analysed data on consumer transactions processed via VisaNet in Trinidad and Tobago from February 16 to 17, 2025, compared with the period from 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.