Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the role of female entrepreneurs in the development of sustainable tourism in marginal rural mountain areas. This role is studied with reference to two focal points: female entrepreneurs’ involvement in the creation and management of tourism/hospitality services characterized by elements of authenticity, experientiality and innovation (Focus 1) and their willingness to create or participate in local stakeholder networks (Focus 2). Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research was conducted in mountain areas where tourism development is still marginal. In depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 11 businesswomen in Trentino (Italy), who agreed to take part in this study. Findings Female entrepreneurs play a very important role in the development of sustainable mountain tourism. Elements of authenticity, experientiality and innovation are shown to be characteristic of female entrepreneurship, as is women’s propensity to create and foster local stakeholder networks (directly or indirectly) linked to their own businesses. Research limitations/implications In the light of the exploratory nature of this study, a small convenience sample was used. Originality/value This research highlights specific features of female entrepreneurship related to the sustainable development of marginal rural areas and contributes to the academic debate on the topic. This topic is under-researched with regard to developed countries.
Highlights
This paper discusses the main findings of a study which investigates the role of female entrepreneurs in sustainable tourism development in marginal rural mountain areas
In relation to the two research focal points, the results reveal that female businesses are characterized by elements of authenticity, experientiality and innovation, and that businesswomen tend to form and sustain local stakeholder networks connected to their own businesses
The findings demonstrate that the businesswomen who participated in the research have often faced critical periods and challenges linked to economic and bureaucratic factors, as well as to the difficulty of balancing their private and professional lives
Summary
This paper discusses the main findings of a study which investigates the role of female entrepreneurs in sustainable tourism development in marginal rural mountain areas. This study fits within the broader area of tourism as a driver of development in such areas and. © Umberto Martini, Karin Malacarne, Silvia Pederzolli Giovanazzi and Federica Buffa. The full terms of this license may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
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