A new report from global digital payments leader Visa reveals a significant surge in summer spending among Pakistani consumers, driven by outbound travel, local staycations, and an accelerating shift toward digital payment adoption.According to Visa Consulting & Analytics’ latest Retail Spend Monitor, spending on Visa premium consumer cards in Pakistan increased by 36% year-over-year during the summer holiday period from July 1 to August 15, 2025.Evolving Consumer Trends: Travel, Digital, and Last-Minute Plans
The report highlights changing consumer behavior, with 66% of travel spending attributed to longer getaways, reflecting a growing appetite for extended breaks. Simultaneously, spending on emerging international destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, and Indonesia rose by 63%.Locally, staycations saw a 26% increase in spending, while dining and leisure activities grew by 57%, indicating that consumers are also investing more in quality domestic experiences.Interestingly, 84% of travelers made their plans within a month of travel, suggesting spontaneity is a defining trend, supported by the convenience of digital payments. Only 7% planned three months in advance, while 9% booked their travel one to three months before departure.
Outbound and Inbound Travel Shift
Outbound spending among premium Visa cardholders rose 11%, accounting for nearly 80% of total summer travel spend. This indicates that affluent consumers are continuing to explore global destinations more actively.Inbound travel to Pakistan also saw healthy growth. Spending by inbound premium cardholders from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and African nations including South Africa, Mozambique, and Malawi, increased by 33%. Meanwhile, inbound spending from Europe—especially from the United Kingdom, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Belgium—surged by 44%.
Digital Payments and eCommerce on the RisePakistanis are embracing digital payment solutions at an unprecedented rate. Digital spending among Visa premium cardholders more than doubled, rising by a staggering 110%. eCommerce transactions also saw a 19% increase, highlighting a strong shift toward alternative, cashless payment methods.
“Consumers in Pakistan are embracing digital payment options and experiences more than ever this summer,” said Umar Khan, Visa’s Country Manager for Pakistan & Afghanistan. “Visa is proud to support this evolution by enabling secure, seamless, and inclusive payment solutions—whether consumers are exploring new destinations or enjoying staycations at home.”
