News

Visa continues strong growth in Jordan, Levant

October 16, 2005

JORDAN - According to a news release, the Levant region has experienced a 15 percent annual rise in the number of Visa cardholders. The region now has more than 2.1 million.

Jordan has maintained its leading position in the Levant region, with approximately 1.5 million Visa cardholders, rising by 14 percent since June 30, 2004, with cardholders spending a total of U.S. $2.6 billion during the year. Spending at shops and retail outlets grew 25 percent to U.S. $288 million.

Visa International general manager for the Levant Said Shuqom said, "These results demonstrate a steady increase in Jordanian consumer confidence in payment cards as an everyday alternative to cash."

Visa cards are accepted through a network of 14,000 acceptance points around the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of which 13,000 are merchant outlets. Statistics show that in excess of 19 million Visa transactions were made during the year, up by 12 percent since the end of 2004.