- 20 Cambodian tourism SMEs graduated from the TUI Futureshapers Programme, with six named pitch winners receiving mentoring and funding support.
- Investors expressed clear interest in funding local tourism SMEs following live pitches at the culminating cohort showcase.
- Applications for Cohort 2 are now open to expand investment readiness across Cambodia’s tourism sector.
SIEM REAP, 13 August 2026 – TUI Futureshapers Cambodia is initiated by the TUI Care Foundation and implemented by global development agency Target 8.9. Over several months, the initiative equipped local entrepreneurs with capabilities, investment readiness, and sustainable business practices.
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) serve as a central economic engine, contributing over 60% of Cambodia’s Gross Domestic Product in 2022 (Ministry of Information, 2024). However, these local ventures routinely struggle to access formal capital. The TUI Futureshapers initiative addresses this critical capacity gap to bring promising tourism businesses into the reach of formal investment. It prepares local tourism entrepreneurs to attract commercial investment and integrate into global supply chains.
At the graduation ceremony of the TUI Futureshapers first cohort at TUI Blue Angkor Grace, investors signaled growing confidence in local ventures following live pitch presentations. Six of the 20 graduating SMEs secured direct investment funding. Additionally, representatives from international development agency GIZ identified opportunities to engage growth-stage businesses through tailored capacity-building support.
The event brought together 80 key stakeholders. Attendees included Siem Reap’s Deputy Governor, representatives from the provincial Tourism and Commerce Departments, Wing Bank, and GIZ. Board members from the Cambodia Hotel Association, Cambodian Women Entrepreneur Association, Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia, and Siem Reap Tourism Club also participated. The programme featured interactive sessions on the TUI e-Academy alongside an investment-readiness workshop delivered by Target 8.9.
Six enterprises were awarded pitch honors across two distinct development tracks:
- Growth Stage Winners: Events agency Jaya Catering & Events, a 28-staff events business led by Kimpho Chrek; tour operator Journey Cambodia, TripAdvisor’s top-rated Siem Reap tour operator led by Boret Ream; and eco-lodge Phum Khmer Lodge, a reclaimed-hardwood eco-lodge founded by Mengphat Ly.
- Early Stage Winners: Tour operator CWE Travel, a female-led tour company under Hong Ho; adventure company Go Wild Cambodia, a community-embedded adventure operator co-founded by Maidalin Kong; and cross-border cycling operator Elephant Bike Tours, run by Lot Lach.
All 20 graduating enterprises demonstrated strong resilience and innovation to strengthen destination sustainability. Applications for Cohort 2 are now open for Cambodian tourism SMEs seeking to build digital capabilities and prepare for future investment rounds. Eligible enterprises can submit their applications online via the button below.
