Flight bookings to the Milano Cortina host regions are up 160% compared to last winter, as excitement builds for the Winter Games
SAN FRANCISCO- With less than 100 days to go until the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, new data from Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA) finds a surge in flight bookings and ticket purchases for the Winter Games made with Visa across Italy’s host regions.
By the numbers
- Ahead of the 2026 Winter Games, Northern Italy is expected to see a 160%+ increase in international travelers arriving by plane compared to this same time last winter. The largest contributors are flying in from the U.S., the UK and Canada.
- U.S. Visa cardholders account for the largest share of ticket spend (35%) among tickets purchased with a Visa card
- Following the US are: Germany (more than 10%), Canada (nearly 10%), Switzerland (5%), UK (5%) and France (5%).
- The highest average spend per Visa cardholder: Australia, Canada, U.S. and the Netherlands.
- 90%1 of Italians expect benefits for host cities of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, including lasting improvements to public spaces, transport, infrastructure and tourism.
- 95%2 of small and medium businesses in Northern Italy expect a positive economic impact.
“The journey to Milano Cortina 2026 has already begun – not just for athletes, but for the fans, travelers and small businesses getting ready to be a part of something unforgettable,” said Andrea Fairchild, Senior Vice President, Global Sponsorship and Experiential Marketing, Visa. “The uptick in travel reflects more than demand – it shows how the Games inspire connection, opportunity and shared excitement long before the first event begins.”
Visa’s Role in Powering the Games
- As the exclusive Payment Technology Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Visa is celebrating 40 years as a Worldwide Partner, delivering seamless and secure payment experiences for fans, athletes and merchants.
- Visa is enabling contactless payments across public transport, mountain resorts, and ski services – helping to digitize more than 50 ski destinations in Italy and driving a shift in consumer spending that benefits local merchants.
- Through its long-standing Team Visa program, Visa continues to champion Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls ahead of Milano Cortina 2026. More details will be shared on the 2026 roster.
