One the biggest challenges I see working with tour and activity operators everyday is the challenge of payments.  In order to move this cash laden, on site dependent business sector into one where advanced bookings and electronic distribution is the norm, we need to face this challenge in earnest.  In my latest post on Tnooz titled “The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly of Tourism Payments” I look at some of the challenges and some of the opportunities in payments for the tourism sector. In my opinion, there is a lot of opportunity in the SME payments sector.  Innovators like Stripe, Braintree, and Square are excellent examples of finding credit card payments solutions for small business, the issue is that these systems are only available to merchants in the U.S.  The greater challenge, and opportunity, exists in finding solutions for small businesses in emerging markets, those in Asia, South America, and Africa.  The innovator who provides a quality solution for small business in those markets will do very well. Take a read of my latest post and let me know what you think.  Leave your comments on Tnooz, or feel free to leave them here too.