The Attributes of Successful Tourism-related Entrepreneurs: a Case from South Africa

Abstract

Previous studies have recognized entrepreneurs as a significant part of the global pursuit
for sustaining economic development and social progress in the world. This study therefore explores
the entrepreneurial attributes that have significant impact in differentiating between successful and
struggling tourism entrepreneurs in South Africa, using Mtubatuba Local Municipality as a case. A
structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data. Convenience sampling was employed in
selecting 124 tourism-related entrepreneurs in different regions of Mtubatuba Local Municipality,
KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The results indicate that the entrepreneurial attributes that
somewhat differentiate successful entrepreneurs from struggling entrepreneurs are: business drive
and enthusiasm, being efficient and effective, and being visionary and having achievement
motivation. This study also validates that socio-demographic variables in this study area, tend to be
more useful in explaining the reasons for success or struggle among entrepreneurs than behavioural
variables. This study recommends that Mtubatuba Local Municipality needs to organize targeted
Tourism Development and Tourism Business Management education for the willing population of
Mtubatuba Local Municipality, in collaboration with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal. By so doing, equal
opportunity can be granted to anyone who wants to start-up and manage a new tourism business.