• A new financing package will benefit companies in Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Colombia, and Guatemala.

• The operation will expand Namu Travel’s advance-payment program for suppliers and support the modernization of its technology platforms.

   

WASHINGTON – IDB Invest is providing $12 million in financing to Namu Travel Group to strengthen tourism value chains and expand access to capital for micro, small and medium-sized businesses.  

The financing will allow Namu, a regional travel agency that connects small operators with international travelers, to scale its advance-payment program for suppliers, improving liquidity, particularly during the low season. With early and improved access to capital, it is expected that MSMEs will be able to invest in maintenance, expand services, upgrade their facilities, and sustain operations in a sector that accounts for nearly 10% of GDP and 9% of employment in the region. Namu works with more than 800 local suppliers in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama.

This marks IDB Invest’s first financing of an asset-light company in the tourism sector. Unlike traditional models that rely on physical collateral, IDB Invest leverages its sector expertise to introduce an innovative approach—channeling capital to tourism MSMEs through a partnership with Namu Travel, amplifying impact across the entire value chain.

The operation includes:

• An uncommitted revolving loan of up to $9 million, dedicated to the advance purchase of tourism services — mostly provided by MSMEs — to accelerate payment cycles and improve suppliers’ financial stability.

• A committed loan of up to $3 million for Namu to invest in technology, digitalization, and operational upgrades that enhance efficiency, traceability, and management capacity across its supplier network.

The project also includes technical assistance to strengthen Namu Travel’s environmental, social, and governance practices, and incentives to promote working with suppliers with high sustainability standards, contributing to a more responsible tourism model.

About IDB Invest  

IDB Invest, a member of the IDB Group, is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting the economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. IDB Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results and maximize economic, social, and environmental development in the region. With a portfolio of $22 billion in assets under management and more than 440 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the needs of its clients in a variety of industries. Visit our website: www.idbinvest.org/en.

About Namu Travel

Namu Travel stands at the forefront of bespoke travel in Latin America, redefining what it means to explore the region with purpose, authenticity, and comfort. With a team of highly trained travel specialists across Latin America, Namu crafts fully customized itineraries that showcase the very best of Central and South America’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality. Every trip is designed from scratch, blending insider knowledge, hand-picked accommodations, and seamless logistics to create unforgettable experiences that reflect each traveler’s individual interests and aspirations.