Small Tourism Enterprises Research Articles

Development of Strategic Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Tourism Enterprises: The Role of Coopetition

Aim. The presented study aims to assess the potential of coopetition as an additional strategy to creating an integrated model for managing strategic entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.Tasks. The authors define the concept of strategic entrepreneurship; determine and analyze the concept of coopetition; formulate the concept of strategic entrepreneurship in tourism; present the results of a qualitative study aimed at determining the most important forms of cooperation between tourism companies.Methods. This conceptual study relies heavily on the examined literature, on theoretical reasons for using strategic entrepreneurship and coopetition in tourism enterprises, and on a qualitative study aimed at identifying meaningful areas of cooperation with competitors. Results. Strategic entrepreneurship is a new field based on the integration of entrepreneurship and strategic management. If used by the management, it can significantly boost the company’s performance. However, in small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, critical resources are usually limited. As a result, they have to cooperate with competitors to gain access to additional assets and opportunities. Coopetition is used as part of the strategic activities of tourism enterprises to provide the missing resources and promote innovations that could help satisfy the needs of tourists. Conclusions. Ccoopetition as an additional strategy will improve the strategic model of entrepreneurship, helping tourism enterprises achieve better performance.

The Role of Local Government Authorities in Facilitating Land Access for Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises Growth in Tanzania

The sustainable development of tourism destinations relies much on Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises found within Local Government Authorities (LGAs). However, tourism destinations have recently being experiencing an increase of population and social economic activities. This situation creates more demand of the land among stakeholders in particular tourism business. Contrary to lager tourism companies Small and Medium Enterprises(SMTEs) has found to be in a less advantageous position in acquiring land from destination which impairing their growth. Thus, land at the destinations is often regarded as one of the constraints for tourism development. The purpose of this study therefore was to examine the role of Local Government authorities in facilitating land management in tourism destinations particularly considering the effects upon the SMTEs growth. The study was guided by stakeholders’ theory. Using census survey design 232 questionnaires were collected from SMTEs owners/managers at Mto wa Mbu ward in Monduli District. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the dependent variable, SMTEs growth and five independent variables. The results strongly confirm the put forward hypothesis “Local government Authorities role in facilitating management of land interests has statistically positive influence on SMTEs growth”, Moreover, five independent variables: land committee, by- law, land allocation, land law and Land policy have statistically significant impact on the growth of small business. Therefore, the theoretical and practical implications of this study refer to stressing the need and important role of LGA’s in managing stakeholders land interests for local tourism that can stimulate the growth of small business within the destination. The study recommends empowerment of Local government Authorities in terms of legal framework to be part in the management regime of local tourism for sustainable development. Keywords: Tourism, SMTEs growth, land policy, Land allocation DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/67-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2020

The lone digital tourism entrepreneur: Knowledge acquisition and collaborative transfer

Abstract This paper addresses calls for more detailed studies of small tourism enterprises. Researchers report a lack of adoption and ineffective utilisation of digital technologies in smaller tourism businesses. The study focuses on two university-facilitated projects of digital marketing adoption and utilisation by 53 small and medium sized tourism businesses in the South of England. The framework for this study was driven by Modes of Knowledge Transference and Technology-In-Practice. The findings describe peer-to-peer knowledge acquisition and sharing that take place in university-led projects and suggests that a combination of Mode 1 and Mode 2 knowledge helps entrepreneurs to advance their digital marketing knowledge. Peer-to-peer clusters are an effective means of placing digital marketing knowledge and technology in the context of small and medium tourism business practice. The paper provides implications for destination marketing organisations and policymakers and suggestions for future avenues of research are offered.

Continuous intention to use mobile money (MM) services: Driving factors among small and medium-sized tourism and hospitality enterprises (SMTHEs)

ABSTRACT Mobile money (known popularly as “MOMO” in Ghana) usage has become common in Africa. However, the driving factors explaining the continuous use of such services among small and medium-sized tourism and hospitality enterprises (SMTHEs) is still unknown. This study examines the driving factors of continuous intention to use MM services among SMTHEs in Ghana. It employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), and the diffusion of innovation and perceived risk theories to examine the key drivers and deterrents of continued MM usage among SMTHE operators. A structural model was developed to test eleven hypotheses. A multi-stage proportionate random sampling was conducted on sub-sectors such as accommodation, restaurants, transport agencies and artisans within four selected cities in Ghana, yielding 380 useful survey questionnaires. Overall, the results of both CFA and SEM indicate that the model fits the data. For instance, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, hedonic motivations, habit, personal innovations, destination-infrastructure risk, technology risk and awareness were significant drivers of the intention to continuously use MM services. Further results from the multi-group moderation analysis show significant differences between males and females relative to the relationship between effort expectancy and continuous intention. The implications and limitations of the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are given.

Cultural homestay enterprises: Sustainability factors in Kiangan, Ifugao

Abstract This article contributes to the continuing discussion about the community-based tradition of sustainability in small tourism enterprises. An analysis is made of cultural homestay enterprises at a UNESCO World Heritage town in Kiangan, Ifugao as it examines the standardized nature and the effect of the regionalized homestay identity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The findings revealed that regional organizations in the ASEAN have focused on improving their competitiveness by marketing homestay tourism product globally. Homestay operations in the region which are holistic in strategy are the 'hard' factors that monitor and systematize the process, while closely related factors arising from culture are said to be the 'soft' elements. The subsequent overlap of the two affect the local enterprises as a whole and consequently promote further homestay tourism. An important implication from these findings are the three foundation variables of cultural tradition and heritage, cultural identity and infrastructure ventilation that is specific to the Philippines. The stronger, embedded and authentic these foundation variables are, the more successful and profitable these small tourism firms will be as this equates to tourist arrivals.

Factors of the organization and peculiarities of small enterprises activities in rural green tourism

The subject of the research is theoretical aspects and practical approaches to organizing of small rural tourism enterprises and establishing the features of their activities. Setting the task, the purpose of the study. The purpose of the work is to substantiate theoretical foundations of the organization and practical approaches to small enterprises activities in rural green tourism on the basis of establishing their content and identifying factors and features. Method or methodology for conducting research. Both scientific and special methods of scientific cognition have become the methodological basis of the article. In the process of writing the article the following methods were used: monographic, historical, generalization and abstraction, SWOT-analysis, statistical groups, system and structural analysis and synthesis. Results of work. The article substantiates theoretical foundations and practical approaches to determining the nature and factors of organization of small enterprises in rural green tourism. The content and regulatory foundations of the organization of small forms of management, first of all, in rural green tourism are investigated. On the basis of the critical analysis of the most widespread interpretations of the concept of "small forms of business" the essence of small enterprises in rural green tourism is determined, as well as the peculiarities of their activity are set. The main factors of influence of the external and internal environment on the organization, activity and development of small rural tourism enterprises are revealed. Their use in management on the basis of competitive advantages is substantiated. The field of application of results. The findings and results can be used in the work of rural green tourism enterprises, rural territorial communities, and municipal authorities; in the educational process of higher education institutions of economic and tourism or their departments. Conclusions according to the article. Small forms of management in rural green tourism are the subject of micro-entrepreneurship. They carry out their activities in accordance with the requirements of rural development, hospitality, agriculture, transport, environmental situation and environmental activities in the countryside. In addition, it is one of the types of self-employment of the population, which raises the role of patriotism, local history; averages the elements of active work and recreation; creates a living environment close to nature; contributes to improving the living standards and quality of life of rural residents. In view of the above, the organizational and economic foundations of small forms of management activities in rural green tourism are determined in relationship of the business entity with the factors of its external and internal environment.

Environmental motives and institutions for the development of small enterprises of rural green tourism

The subject of the research is theoretical and practical aspects of identifying environmental motives and incentives for the organization and development of small businesses and agro-villages of rural green tourism. The purpose of the work is to identify environmental motives and incentives for the organization and development of small businesses and agro-villages of rural green tourism in order to improve their management in the interests of creating a favorable environment for the life of the population, rational use of nature, conservation and reproduction of rural areas. The methodological basis of the article was both general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge. Methods were used: dialectical, monographic, historical, system-structural analysis and synthesis, problem- and program-targeted approaches. Results of work. The article deals with the special role of functioning of small businesses and agro-villages of rural green tourism for rural areas. This is not just about his socio-economic motives for providing recreation for urban dwellers and improving rural employment and well-being. The environmental value of the organization and development of small tourist enterprises and agro-villages in the countryside is a key consideration in the study. They are considered, in essence, as the only alternative to agribusiness entities in ensuring the sustainable use, conservation and reproduction of the environment. Therefore, the identification of ecological motives for their creation and ecological incentives for development are of the utmost importance for management in order to ensure a favorable natural environment of life and activity of the population, the functioning of rural territories and their economy as a whole. The field of application of results. The materials, results and conclusions of the article can be used in the activities of individual subjects of rural green tourism, rural territorial communities, district state administrations, secondary and higher education institutions. Conclusions. The environmental motivation of rural green tourism will be the starting point for creating new approaches for this activity, both through the vector of socio-economic development (creation of new jobs and new professions, restoration of crafts, better use of existing resources, etc.), and through the vector of sustainable development (care for the environment, conservation of resources and reproduction of nature, comprehensive greening of activities and tourism products). It will also stimulate the formation of a new rural population mentality and management of rural development. Strengthening the ecological functions of agro-villages and rural tourism enterprises meets the requirements of the modern concept of social responsibility in the organization and development of any business in the countryside – large, small, medium, agrarian and other types.

HOMESTAY START-UP MODELTO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN LOMBOK, INDONESIA

Despite the important roleof local entrepreneurs for sustainable tourism, the process of starting up small tourism enterprises remains unclear. The current study is aimed at constructing a start-up model of small tourism enteprise, particularly homestay.Qualitative method was adopted. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, observation, and documentary. Interviews were made with 6 homestay owners in three tourist destinations in West Lombok Regency. Data was recorded and then analysed using content analysis. The study constructs a start-up model consisting of two phases, orientation and starting phases. The orientation phase elaborates the process of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, business capital preparation, and starting preparation. The starting phase describestrial and error process regarding product creation, resource allocations, finance management, and marketing strategies. In the starting phase entrepreneurs have todeal with business competition and business uncertainties. The succes in undertaking the starting phase can lead an entrepreneur into a further business development. But,the fail in going through the starting phase can lead into bankruptcy and/or the situation in which the entrepreneurs have to re-start their business again from the beginning. The study results provide reference for community empowerment, bring theoretical and managerial impacts, and create gap for a further research. Keywords : homestay start-up, orientation phase, starting phase, tourism industry, Lombok

An empirical study on factors affecting the acceptance of M-commerce application among small and medium-sized tourism enterprises by integrating TTF with TAM

Tourism is an attractive sector for economic development as it offers potential economic benefits for developing countries. Most tourism sectors throughout the globe consist of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and as such, tourism SMEs (SMTEs) utilisation of Mobile commerce (M-commerce) is crucial in terms of added efficiency, effectiveness and innovation. However, the acceptance of M-commerce in SMTEs, is still in the early stage. The paper aimed to test the factors influencing the acceptance of M-commerce application among SMTEs. The questionnaire was distributed to the target sample and the obtained data was analysed through the SPSS statistical software. Results of the analysis revealed that all factors positively influenced behavioural intention to use M-commerce application in such enterprises. The study provides advanced knowledge of user's acceptance of M-commerce in SMTEs, which will help the M-commerce providers in such enterprises to understand the factors that influence the acceptance of M-commerce in SMTEs.

Targeted poverty alleviation in China: segmenting small tourism entrepreneurs and effectively supporting them

Cultivating and encouraging local small tourism enterprises (STEs) is considered an effective way to alleviate poverty. Chinese local governments tend to concentrate their limited policies and initiatives on targeting STEs and effective ways to achieve better performance, following the proposed government policy called Targeted Poverty Alleviation by Tourism Development (TPATD). To discover which group is targeted and how, this study classified small tourism entrepreneurs and examined determinants of their performance. A quota sampling survey of 273 entrepreneurs in five tourism communities within a scenic area known as Yuntai Mountain was conducted in 2016. Seven determinants were identified: business skills, leadership, innovation, social relations, governmental support, autonomy, and locus of control. Three distinct small tourism entrepreneur segments were classified as independents, followers, and autodidacts. Each segment is worth helping but in different ways. Leadership, business skills, and innovation are key determinants of performance for all segments. Governmental support should be more visible, targeted, and recognized by locals. The administrative subcontract of TPATD in China is also discussed.

Impact of Lifestyle-Oriented Motivation on Small Tourism Enterprises’ Social Responsibility and Performance

Lifestyle-oriented motivation (LOM) is the reason that the owners of many small enterprises start and operate businesses in the tourism industry. Using a sample of guesthouses in historic Chinese towns, this study examines how LOM affects these small businesses’ corporate social responsibility (CSR), performance, and owners’ intentions to sustain operations. Applying the structural equation modeling approach to a sample of 154 guesthouses, this study finds that LOM positively influences CSR, performance, and owners’ operational intentions. Specifically, LOM promotes each dimension of CSR activities (product, environment, community, employees, and heritage protection); however, it only increases firms’ subjective performance and has no significant influence on their objective performance. The mediating effects of CSR and performance on the path from LOM to owners’ operational intentions are also demonstrated. Lastly, the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.

Sustainable urban tourism success factors and the economic performance of small tourism enterprises

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to introduce the relationship between sustainable urban tourism success factors and the economic performance of small tourism enterprises (STEs). The related data was obtained from 330 STEs business owners/managers in Eskisehir (Turkey). To determine the dimensions Exploratory Factor Analysis was performed and Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used for verifying these dimensions. Structural Equation Modelling was applied in order to introduce the relation which is foreseen. As a result of the analysis, seven dimensions of urban tourism success factors and two dimensions of the economic performance of STEs have been determined and a significant relation was found between them. These findings provide an insight to literature and new directions and suggestions for local governments, regional marketing organizations and business managers on how tourism development and sustainability can be achieved in urban areas.

Improving the structure of the labor market of agricultural territories by developing agricultural green tourism enterprises

The subject of the research is the structure of the labor market of rural areas through the development of enterprises of rural green tourism. The purpose of the work is to identify problems and trends of employment of rural population and to substantiate the organization of alternative types of employment in rural areas through the development of rural green tourism enterprises. Methodological basis of the article became general scientific methods of cognition, generalization, method of comparative analysis, statistical and other methods of research. Results of work The labor market in the countryside is characterized by the curtailment of job offers through the holding of agrarian production, its modernization. There is an increase in labor productivity, the release of large masses of the rural population, a decrease in the levels of its income and life. This leads to the search for and justification of alternative types of employment in the countryside. One of them is the definition of rural green tourism and its enterprises. Moreover, the organization of small tourist enterprises and agro-villages in the village does not require significant investments and special professional training of workers. They are based on the use of material resources of farmers, personal peasant and households, as well as the traditions of hospitality and the rural way of life of Ukrainians. The field of application of results. The results of the study can be used by the state executive authorities in improving the structure of the labor market of rural areas. Conclusions With the purpose of developing the rural economy and expanding the labor market for rural residents, we proposed the development of rural green tourism enterprises. The organization of new types of economic activity in rural areas is intended to increase the incomes of rural population. With the active development of unique and competitive destinations for rural green tourism, for which rural areas are used as an advantage, rather than treated as a disadvantage, it is possible to reach a sufficiently high level of profitability. This will give impetus to the further development of the countryside and the emergence of adjacent or serving businesses.

Perception of small tourism enterprises in Lao PDR regarding social sustainability under the influence of social network

This paper uses a generalized structural equation model (GSEM) to examine the relationships between a social network, the perception of social sustainability, and the future business intentions of small tourism enterprises, in the context of a developing country, Lao PDR. The data were derived from 177 such enterprises located in two destinations in 2016. Initiatives in building social networks and the provision of training and employment of local residents are identified as the key determinants of success in social sustainability, while specific attempts to create brands congruent with local culture are also important. Undifferentiated policies, while useful to the business expansion of small tourism enterprises, are less successful in generating local social sustainability.

Community social responsibility and the performance of small tourism enterprises: Moderating effects of entrepreneurs' demographics

AbstractThis study investigated the two main dimensions of small tourism enterprises' (STEs') community social responsibility and their impact on firms' objective and subjective performance. It also explored the moderating effects of STE owners' demographics on the relationships between the two community social responsibility dimensions and firm performance. By the survey data from STEs in the historical towns in southwestern China, the empirical findings suggested that engaging in socially responsible behavior at the community level contributes to STEs' subjective performance; and the influence of community engagement on STEs' performance is moderated by the owners' demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and birthplace.

An IT Governance Framework for Virtual Enterprise in Tourism Industry: Evidence from Small Tourism Enterprises in Thailand

Information technology (IT) plays a significant role on a highly information-intensive industry like tourism industry globally and dramatically. Virtual enterprise (VE) concept is an innovation that enables small tourism enterprises (STEs) in developing countries to offer effective tourism services without large investment in IT. As STEs operate their VEs based on cloud-sourcing environment, STEs have to deal with IT risks that may affect the entire organization. As almost all STEs are found lacking in IT management experience, it is not effective to apply traditional IT governance frameworks, such as Control objectives for information and related technologies (COBIT), IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), and International organization for standardization (ISO). This study proposes an IT governance framework for STEs operating in VE concept with cloud-sourcing environment. The methodology began with multiple-case study research via semi-structure interviews. Subjects are IT leaders from 10 STEs. IT governance framework for STEs was derived from the interview results, the framework consists of five IT governance areas: Strategy, Administration, Technology and Infrastructure, Supply, and Human Resource. This study also proposed performance assessment criteria for assessing IT governance performance. The proposed assessment criteria were integrated from relevance criteria in COBIT, ISO38500, ITIL, and previous research. STEs can adopt the proposed framework in their VEs to ensure the achievement of effectiveness and efficiency of their services in virtual environment. This will eventually guarantee their continued success in tourism services at present and in the future.

Sociocultural Sustainability of Small Tourism Enterprises: Observations from Ghalegaon’s Community Based Homestays

Ghalegaon represents one of Nepal’s most popular rural community based tourism entrepreneurship initiatives in a form of home stays. This paper explores the socio cultural sustainability of the Ghalegaon home stays. Fourteen individual interviews, five focus group discussions and onsite observations were used to discuss four categories of socio cultural dimension of sustainability: 1) inclusive, 2) collaborative, 3) resilient, and 4) modernizing. The findings revealed a slow impact of tourism with variations in perceptions of the local people. A critical insight to respective stakeholders are offered.Journal of Tourism and Hospitality EducationVol. 7, 2017

Designing Business Model for Small Tourism Enterprise: Creative Tourism Perspective

Designing Business Model for Small Tourism Enterprise: Creative Tourism Perspective Creative tourism market and concept have gained increasing attention, numerous enterprises have begun investing in this industry and transforming themselves to better suits it. This study presents the concept of creative tourism destinations, examines the development of 15 creative tourism enterprises in Taiwan. We adapt that Morris, et al. proposed a six-component framework for characterizing a business model, and utilizes phenomenographic approach to explore creative tourism enterprises business model. The discussion of enterprise-level business models in the tourism industry is taken as a focus to enrich the research of creative tourism.

Impact of e-commerce website on small tourism enterprises in quang binh, Vietnam

The purpose of this research is evaluate the economic impact of using E-Commerce website to promote small and medium tourist enterprise (SMEs) in Quang Binh, Vietnam. Our research used two methods to collect data. First, we developed survey then interview 8 expert on ecommerce website and 100 technical economic student, the will be organized and analysis to determine how ecommerce impact on small tourism firm in Quang Binh. Secondly, an experimental website was created to evaluate the impact of occupancy rate on SMTEs. The results showed that website marketing is an effective marketing tool for backpacker and managers who have pursued a well thought out online advertising strategy as well as responded promptly to emails from clients. Furthermore, room occupancy had increased ranging from 12% to 34% due to their website. However there are some firms has room occupancy still not increased at all. This research also help owners made effort to promote their websites more effectively.

The challenges of developing small tourism enterprises in townships: case of Umlazi, South Africa

Township tourism in South Africa has grown in popularity since 1994 and is considered by some researchers to be an appropriate mechanism for stimulating local economic development. Opportunities for the development of black-owned enterprises in South Africa began for the first time when the country integrated into the global tourism economy after many years of international sanctions. The growth of township tourism thus can provide the context for potential economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs to enter the business, an activity that traditionally has been the domain of established white South African entrepreneurs. The main objective of the study is to present findings on the challenges that face a certain group of small tourism enterprises in townships with more attention being specifically paid to Umlazi as the second biggest township in the Southern hemisphere. The main reason for the choice of the study is due to the fact that there is only a limited literature that explores the conditions of small-scale and informal tourism entrepreneurs operating in South Africa’s black townships. The focus falls upon the challenges of developing small tourism entrepreneurs for black owners in the township, especially because South African tourism industry is highly concentrated and dominated by small elite group of large, mostly locally owned, tourism organizations which drive the tourism economy that unfortunately excludes and sidelines that of the townships