Small businesses tap tourist spending through Grab

Small businesses in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, are gaining access to a larger share of tourist spending as Grab Philippines expands its digital marketplace to help local merchants reach more customers and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Grab formally launched its GrabFood, GrabMart, GrabExpress, GrabCar and digital payment services in partnership with the city government, giving micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) a wider market beyond their physical stores.

Early platform data showed that nearly one in three unique Grab users in Puerto Princesa were travelers, while more than two-thirds were residents or long-term visitors, highlighting opportunities to capture both tourism spending and local consumer demand.

“At Grab, we have always believed that progress is not measured by the size of an economy alone, but by how many people it lifts up,” said RJ Cabaluna, Vice President for Cities at Grab Philippines.

“That is what brings us to Puerto Princesa. By bringing together transport and delivery professionals, local MSMEs, travelers, and residents in one vibrant marketplace, we are creating not just a more seamless experience for everyone, but a community that, through every interaction, lifts one another up,” he added.

For local merchants, the expansion offers an additional sales channel without relying solely on walk-in customers.

Puerto Princesa City Tourism Officer Toto Alvior said the partnership would help strengthen the participation of local businesses in the digital economy.

"For our drivers and delivery partners, it means new opportunities to earn and provide for their families. For our local merchants and small businesses, it means a wider market and a stronger place in the digital economy.

Together, we can make sure that innovation benefits everyone, especially our hardworking Puerto Princesans,” Alvior said.

To channel more visitor spending toward homegrown businesses, Grab and the City Tourism Office also developed a 5-Star Travel Guide promoting lesser-known attractions and local establishments.

Its Grab 5-Star Eats initiative highlights highly rated merchants, including Capheinated, Pit Stop Shawarma, Haim Chicken and Chef Abduo Halal Food, giving small businesses greater visibility among tourists and residents.