Barriers and facilitators of youth entrepreneurship in the tourism sector in South Africa

Abstract

This research was undertaken to identify the barriers facing youth entrepreneurs who work in or aspire to work in the tourism sector. The study was motivated by the need for innovative business support models to facilitate youth to take up opportunities in the tourism sector which is experiencing high growth according to research surveyed. The research was conducted in South Africa by means of telephonic interviews with five existing tourism entrepreneurs and surveys self‐administered by 122 students enrolled in tourism and hospitality courses in three institutions in Gauteng. The resulting findings indicated that the tourism and hospitality sector is attractive due to many opportunities available for jobs and business. The majority of the respondents indicated that they would be keen to open businesses in the sector. The lack of capital and funding, and lack of experience were mentioned as the top two barriers to tourism entrepreneurship. The results also highlight a difference in the perception of barriers between the existing and prospective entrepreneurs. Recommendations are provided to promote entry of more young entrepreneurs into the sector through youth‐specific entrepreneurship support initiatives, entrepreneurship education in tourism and hospitality education and training. Copyright