A survey was carried out to determine the extent of information technology use in the UK cottage holiday agency sector. Up to half the companies in the sector, which is characterized by many small businesses, did not use IT, despite its apparent suitability. Various factors for non-use are discussed, and a crucial one is found to be the symbolic connotations of IT. Success factors for those who use IT are examined and it is argued that a key factor is the ability to recognize the information needed to run the business. A tentative link to more general entrepreneurial qualities is suggested, but this requires further investigation.