Partnership Overview
Visa is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. The company has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since 1986 and became the first global partner of the International Paralympic Committee in 2003. As the Official Payment Technology Partner of the Games, Visa provides secure, seamless and innovative payment experiences inside and outside the venues.
Milano Cortina 2026
Enabling digital access and payments
For Milano Cortina 2026, Visa is working with local transport operators to enable contactless “tap to ride” payments across Milan, Verona, Venice and major airport links. The brand is also collaborating with more than 50 mountain resorts to digitise services such as lift passes, lodging, equipment rental and ski lessons, making them accessible through card-based payments. In December 2025, Visa also launched SkiTap26, a Milano Cortina 2026 edition of the wearable bracelet, combining contactless payment and RFID ski-lift access in one device. Available to Visa cardholders from leading Italian banks, it offers a seamless way to pay and hit the slopes.
Empowering small businesses and local economies
Visa has been operating in Italy for nearly 50 years, and in just the last three years has helped more than one million small merchants go digital. Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026, Visa launched a campaign to promote the positive impact of the Winter Games for small businesses, as well as a merchant programme featuring a special collection of offers and benefits for Visa cardholders in the Games regions. By increasing digital acceptance and giving small businesses the tools to welcome visitors from around the world, Visa is helping ensure the economic benefits of Milano Cortina 2026 both during and after the Winter Games. Visa data shows growing international excitement towards the Milano Cortina area in 2026, with Visa cardholders from Germany, the US, France and the UK purchasing the most Winter Games tickets, and Northern Italy expected to see more than a 160% increase in international travellers[1]. The sentiment of Italians is also very positive: 90%[2] of them expect benefits for the host regions, and 95%[3] of small and medium businesses in the area anticipate a positive economic impact for their activities.
