Fostering Mekong’s Tourism by Helping Small Businesses Go Digital

The Greater Mekong Sub-Region’s entrepreneurs are taking the digital path forward. We believe that the region’s tourism sector can recover faster by building a smart tourism ecosystem – and a big part of this involves elevating the digital economy for tourism businesses.

Building a digital ecosystem for tourism should start at the base, with the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that make up the majority of tourism businesses in the region. GMS countries are already encouraging MSMEs to use digital technology to enhance competitiveness and transform how they do business.

First, by integrating digital payments across GMS countries. MSMEs can now receive cashless, digital payments via QR code between Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Cashless payments can streamline travel experiences and provide ready revenue for family-owned businesses.

Second, by enabling a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. In Cambodia, an “MSME Incubation Programme on Digitalization”, implemented by the Young Entrepreneur Association of Cambodia (YEAC) and UNDP, provides much-needed support for Cambodian MSMEs to transition their businesses online.

And Thailand launched its “ThailandCONNEX” national digital platform to help tourism business operators onboard digital technology, and help improve business operations and increase marketing opportunities.
*Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Email: info@mekongtourism-mtco.org