Visa card spending by foreign visitors during Formula 1 week it grew 10% this yearaccording to an analysis carried out by Visa Consulting & Analytics. In this regard, the Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez, stated that “these results show how tourism is consolidated as an engine of well-being and development. Large international events not only boost the economy, but also strengthen the pride, hospitality and identity of our country before the world.”
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He stressed that the increase in card spending reflects the positive effect that sporting events have on tourism and local economies. According to the analysis carried out, the Visitors from Colombia, Argentina and Chile led the spending during this event and increased their consumption by approximately 20%, compared to the week of the race the previous year.
In addition, visitors from Argentina presented the greatest increases with a growth close to 130%.
Understanding the impact of Formula 1
Francisco Valdivia, director of Visa, highlighted that the collaboration with Sectur allows us allows developing innovative strategies to better understand the impact positive economic that these sporting events generate in cities and be better prepared to extend the benefits to more people.
The study shows that credit card spending increased 10%, while with debit cards it grew 15%.
The main spending categories were airlines, restaurants and lodging, with increases close to 15% compared to the previous event.
The 2026 line-up of the #F1 is taking shape
There are still seats to fill… and the most coveted seems to be Red Bull’s second
Who would you like to see alongside Verstappen?#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/sEjawKkcVV— Mexico Grand Prix
(@mexicogp) November 18, 2025
Additionally, the use of contactless payments with credentials Visa during the event grew around 45%compared to the previous year.
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A strategy was adopted to accelerate the adoption of digital payments in the tourism sectorwith the aim of improving the experience of national and foreign tourists in Mexico. This collaboration seeks to ensure that each traveler enjoys a fast, secure and reliable payment environment, generating a positive impact on regional economic growth. in line with the priorities of the Mexico Planexplained the Ministry of Tourism.