A New Push to Empower Small Tourism Businesses

Cambodia’s tourism sector has received a fresh boost with the launch of Vee Together by Visa, a new social impact programme aimed at strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises across the country. Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has joined forces with Wing Bank, The Asia Foundation, and Good Return to help tourism related MSMEs adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. The initiative focuses on equipping small businesses with the financial access, digital payment solutions, and practical skills they need to operate more efficiently and grow sustainably. Tourism remains central to Cambodia’s economy, with small enterprises forming the backbone of visitor experiences and job creation in communities nationwide. Yet many of these businesses continue to face barriers when it comes to accessing finance, adopting modern payment systems, and keeping pace with digital transformation.

Building a Digitally Inclusive Tourism Ecosystem

The programme is anchored in Visa’s regional social impact framework known as the Digitally Inclusive Commerce Ecosystem. Through this platform, public and private sector partners are working together to strengthen the foundations of a modern tourism commerce system. The initiative addresses key areas that determine MSME competitiveness, including secure digital payments, improved financing options, better connectivity, skills training, market insights, and community based support. By bringing these elements together, Vee Together by Visa aims to create a more inclusive and digitally enabled environment where small tourism enterprises can compete with confidence.

Government and Industry Voices Back the Programme

The initiative has received strong support from government and industry leaders.

H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, said: “Vee Together by Visa supports our national priority to strengthen tourism competitiveness and ensure that small businesses can benefit from Cambodia’s digital transformation. By building skills, improving access to digital tools, and supporting communities in key destinations, this partnership helps our tourism MSMEs deliver better services and create more meaningful experiences for visitors,”.

Arturo Planell, Group Country Manager, Regional Southeast Asia, Visa, emphasized the company’s commitment to digital progress, stating: “Vee Together by Visa reflects Visa’s commitment to uplifting tourism and accelerating digitalisation in Cambodia. By supporting the businesses that power the country’s visitor economy with better access to financing, digital payments, practical skills, and tourism insights, we aim to strengthen competitiveness across the entire tourism value chain. We are combining Visa’s global trust and security with Cambodia’s innovation to help advance the country’s digital payments and tourism ambitions.”

Strengthening Finance and Inclusion for MSMEs

Tourism continues to be a key pillar of Cambodia’s economy, generating US$3.7 billion in 2025, marking a 3 percent increase, and welcoming 5.57 million international visitors. MSMEs play a central role in driving this growth. Dr. Dmytro Kolechko, CEO of Wing Bank, highlighted the collaborative effort: “Tourism remains a core pillar of Cambodia’s economy, generating US$3.7 billion in 2025 – a 3 percent increase – and attracting 5.57 million international visitors, with MSMEs playing a central role in this growth.

As Visa is a long-standing partner since 2018, Wing Bank is proud to join hands with Visa to support MSMEs with financing options backed by Good Return, Visa credit cards, and the introduction of Wing Bank POS terminals for seamless KHQR and card payments,”. He added: “Coupled with financial and digital literacy support from The Asia Foundation, these solutions empower entrepreneurs to strengthen operations and build long-term resilience. We are already seeing positive results and remain committed to driving the continued advancement of Cambodia’s tourism sector.” Bénigne du Parc, Programme Director, Good Return, said: “This pilot reflects Good Return’s commitment to ensuring Cambodia’s tourism growth delivers real opportunities for women led and small businesses.

Through our partnership with Wing Bank and The Asia Foundation, and with support from Visa through Vee Together, we are using a targeted credit guarantee to help MSMEs access finance, adopt digital payment solutions and participate more inclusively in the tourism economy. By enabling businesses to accept international card payments and build digital financial capability, this initiative is expected to support women-led MSMEs and help sustain jobs across key tourism cities.”

Equipping Entrepreneurs with Skills and Insight

Beyond financial tools, the programme places strong emphasis on practical training and knowledge sharing. Meloney C. Lindberg, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation, said: “The Asia Foundation is proud to partner with Visa to support Cambodia’s tourism entrepreneurs with practical skills and actionable business insights. This initiative reflects our commitment to equipping individuals and communities to shape their futures and to building inclusive, future-ready economies. By strengthening the foundations of digitally enabled and evidence-informed decision-making, we aim to help local businesses – many of them women led – grow with confidence and resilience.” Through resources such as the SMB Online Toolkit, the Shop Small Everyday campaign, and its partnership with the Bakong Tourists App, Visa is helping tourism MSMEs connect more effectively with visitors, diversify income streams, and strengthen their competitive edge in a fast evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion

Vee Together by Visa represents a coordinated effort to ensure Cambodia’s tourism growth is inclusive, resilient, and digitally empowered. By combining global expertise with local partnerships, the programme addresses long standing challenges faced by MSMEs while opening new pathways for growth. As tourism continues to expand, initiatives like this can help small businesses adapt, innovate, and play an even greater role in Cambodia’s long term economic development.