Every year, World Tourism Day celebrates the vibrant and transformative power of travel and tourism. It's a day when we reflect on the joy of exploring new destinations, embracing diverse cultures, and forging unforgettable memories. However, the last couple of years have been particularly challenging for the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector have faced unprecedented hardships. As we celebrate this World Tourism Day, let's delve into how Unionbank GlobalLinker has been a source of hope and support for these SMEs, helping them rise above the trials of the pandemic.

The Travel Downturn: Challenges Faced by Tourism SMEs

The COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a grinding halt. Borders closed, flights were cancelled, and travelers retreated to their homes. The tourism industry, which thrives on the spirit of exploration and adventure, faced dire consequences. SMEs within the sector, such as travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators, confronted a series of challenges:

Financial Turbulence: With bookings plummeting and cancellations skyrocketing, many tourism SMEs faced severe cash flow problems.

Digital Disadvantage: A significant portion of these businesses lacked a robust online presence, making it difficult to adapt to the surge in online bookings and information-seeking travelers.

Uncertainty Abounds: The ever-shifting landscape of travel restrictions and health protocols made it nearly impossible for businesses to plan for the future.

Unionbank GlobalLinker: A Guiding Light in Turbulent Times

Amidst these trials, Unionbank GlobalLinker emerged as a steadfast ally for tourism SMEs, offering invaluable assistance in various forms:

1. Digital Transformation:

Recognizing the urgent need for digital adaptation, Unionbank GlobalLinker empowered SMEs to establish a strong online presence. Businesses were able to create their websites, showcase their services, and facilitate online bookings. This shift allowed SMEs to reach a local audience and continue serving clients. We enable local SMEs in the travel and tour sector to create impressive digital catalogs, Ebiz cards, and E-business profiles, establishing a strong online presence. This opens doors to a global customer base, helping them reach a wider audience.

2. Business Networking and Collaboration:

In times of crisis, collaboration becomes a lifeline. Unionbank GlobalLinker's platform facilitated networking among businesses in various sectors. Unionbank GlobalLinker platform boasts a vast network of over 400,000 global SMEs, including countless potential customers, financiers, suppliers, and service providers. Through UBGL, local travel and tours businesses can connect with like-minded individuals, collaborate, and forge valuable partnerships.

3. Knowledge and Guidance:

Unionbank GlobalLinker fosters a vibrant community where travelers and local SMEs can engage in discussions, groups, and events. Our merchants have access to a vast pool of knowledge, industry insights, and best practices, enabling them to constantly enhance their services and offerings.

4. State-of-the-Art Tools:

UBGL's Linker.store empowers local SMEs in the travel industry to create E-commerce stores effortlessly, facilitating online bookings, sale of travel packages, and seamless customer interactions. This innovative tool eliminates technical barriers for businesses, extending their reach and enabling them to cater to both domestic and international travelers.

5. Exclusive Partner Offers: 

UBGL's partnership with various service providers ensures that our merchants in the travel industry gain access to exclusive deals on essential business services and banking products. These curated offers are designed specifically to meet the unique needs of SMEs.

On this World Tourism Day, as we celebrate the spirit of travel and the revival of the tourism industry, let us also celebrate the resilience of tourism SMEs and the role of Unionbank GlobalLinker in shaping a brighter future for the industry. Together, we can unlock a world of possibilities for these businesses, enabling them to not only stand up to the struggles of the past but also thrive in the years to come. 

Also read: How SMEs in the Philippines can benefit from the GlobalLinker Platform 

If you would like to explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to Natasha Kosheleva via email at natasha@grover.sg. 

Image source: Canva

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, official policy, or position of GlobalLinker.