· Sentimental spending in Jordan up115 per cent over the past ten years

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

·Romantics are spending 337 per cent more on gifts and experiences than a decade ago

·Contactless shopping at an all time high, up 305 per cent since 2019

·Home-cooked meals, restaurant DIY kits and movie marathons set to be this year’s top romantic experiences

Sentimental shoppers are investing more around Valentine’s Day, with spendingincreasing by115 per cent over the past decade, according to the annual Mastercard Love Index. However, this year home is where the heart is as couplesare planning to spend the day — and their money — differently.

The annual Mastercard report offers a deep dive into spending habits and trends around the most romantic day of the year by analyzing purchases across the globe.Romantics in Jordanare spending337per cent more on gifts and experiences than they were ten years ago.

Spends on traditional Valentine’s treats also increased over the past decade, with flowersup242 per cent, restaurantsup177 per cent, followed by jewelry at a98 per cent increase.

However, as most of the world still faces lockdown limitations, restaurant DIY kits, park walks, home-cooked meals and movie marathonsareset to be the top ways couples will bring romantic experienceshome this year.

Contactless transaction has grown steadily over the past year and is at an all-time high – with a 305 per cent increase in the number of contactless transactions in the Valentine’s Day period over the past year. Many will shop online for Valentine’s Day gifts this year, whilst some will show their love for local, purchasing bouquets and gifts fromneighborhood businesses.

"The Mastercard Love Index has been providing valuable insights intoconsumer spending habits and behaviours every Valentine’s Day for the last ten years. We’ve witnessed many changes in 2020, however, we’re pleased to see that Jordanians are still feeling the love for the most romantic day of the year,” said Ramzy Al Amary, Country Business Development Lead, Levant, Mastercard. "With spending habits almost tripled over the last decade due to the transition to eCommerce, Mastercard remains committed to providing consumers a safe, secure and simplified online shopping experience when celebrating their love this year. "