Visa Joins Forces with Thames International and Baguio City Government to Propel Digital Transformation and Tourism Expansion
In a major move towards digital transformation and tourism expansion, global payments technology leader, Visa, has entered into a strategic alliance with Thames International, a renowned education and training solutions provider, and the Baguio City Government. This crucial partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was officially launched today.
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| Visa Joins Forces with Thames International and Baguio City Government to Propel Digital Transformation and Tourism Expansion |
The five-year Digital Partnership Program, a unique initiative by Visa Government Solutions that collaborates with governments worldwide to propel economic growth and digitalization, primarily targets Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Baguio City. The program seeks to encourage digital payment acceptance, spur innovation, impart knowledge, and provide marketing guidance, along with Visa Destination Insights, to boost the tourism industry.
Baguio City, recognized as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is a significant part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), alongside Cebu and Iloilo. Since 2017, Baguio holds the UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art title, joining a global network of 246 cities dedicated to fostering creativity in sustainable urban development. Baguio's thriving MSME sector is instrumental in driving local growth and innovation.
As of August 2023, Baguio houses 22,121 registered businesses, with 19,874 constituting microenterprises majorly in wholesale and retail. This highlights the pivotal role of small businesses in the local economy and tourism, with MSMEs serving as key players in the tourism sector.
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The partnership aims to fortify MSME innovation and payment digitalization, enhance data insights, and equip MSMEs to excel in the digital economy. It focuses on fostering connections with technology providers and banks to ensure financial inclusion. The program will also develop a data-driven tourism strategy, host workshops on data trends, and utilize Visa Destination Insights for policy development.
Additionally, the partnership intends to broaden its influence through media and official channels, advocate digital literacy across sectors, and connect Baguio City stakeholders with global Visa experts. This alliance will facilitate peer exchange workshops and innovation study tours, allowing stakeholders to exchange best practices in building an inclusive, digitally empowered government.
This significant initiative will bolster Baguio City's tourism sector by enhancing the overall visitor experience and promoting the city’s rich cultural heritage. Small businesses, being the backbone of the local economy, stand to gain from digital solutions and the growth of the creative economy, thereby positioning Baguio City to attract more tourists and stimulate local business growth.
Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are ecstatic to collaborate with Thames International and the City Government of Baguio to propel digital transformation and support the creative economy. Tourism plays a crucial role in the Philippine economy, and we are pleased to offer our tools and resources to aid the growth of the industry. Our partnership is set to enhance the visitor experience, promote cultural heritage, and empower MSMEs to boost tourism and local businesses, thereby creating a digitally and financially inclusive ecosystem for everyone in the Philippines."
