Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship

Issued by Goodwood Publishing, Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship (JoSTE) is an international, peer-reviewed, and scholarly journal aimed at being a platform for interdisciplinary researchers across the globe to develop and advance both theory and practice of tourism and entrepreneurship. JoSTE welcomes all well-developed papers exploring areas of tourism and entrepreneurship including papers in areas that may not directly be tourism and entrepreneurship based but concerning a topic of interest in the field of tourism and entrepreneurship, such as economics, marketing, business, management, sociology and statistics.

Current Issue

Issued by Goodwood Publishing, Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship (JoSTE) is an international, peer-reviewed, and scholarly journal aimed at being a platform for interdisciplinary researchers across the globe to develop and advance both theory and practice of tourism and entrepreneurship. JoSTE welcomes all well-developed papers exploring areas of tourism and entrepreneurship including papers in areas that may not directly be tourism and entrepreneurship based but concerning a topic of interest in the field of tourism and entrepreneurship, such as economics, marketing, business, management, sociology and statistics.

Published
2024-09-13

Articles

Entrepreneurship in the era of society 5.0: Navigating digitalization for innovation and growth

Purpose: This study explores the symbiotic relationship between entrepreneurship and digitalization in Society 5.0, emphasizing the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in navigating and leveraging digital technologies to foster innovation and propel economic development. Research Methodology:  This study uses quantitative methods to explore entrepreneurship in the era of Society 5.0, focusing on digitalization for innovation and growth. The population comprises entrepreneurs in Indonesia who use digital technology in their business. The sample comprised of 200 purposively selected entrepreneurs. Data were collected using an online questionnaire on the use of digital technology, innovation, and business growth. Data analysis, including validation, descriptive analysis, and SEM-PLS, was conducted using Smart PLS. The results are expected to provide insights into digital strategies for business innovation and growth. Results: The results highlight how entrepreneurs can leverage digital technologies, such as AI, IoT, and big data, to develop innovative products, improve operational efficiency, expand markets, and make better decisions. The benefits include global market access, improved customer experience, and better business sustainability. This makes entrepreneurs more competitive and responsive to market change. Limitations: Today's entrepreneurship faces limitations, such as technology dependence, adaptation difficulties, data security risks, and the digital divide. Entrepreneurs also encounter global competition, changing regulations, a lack of digital skills, poor technology infrastructure, and funding difficulties. Overcoming these challenges requires support from the government, the private sector, and educational institutions. Contributions: This research helps institutions develop digital policies and training programs, adds to the global literature on entrepreneurship in the Society 5.0, provides digital strategies for management, and improves entrepreneurs' competencies in utilizing digital technologies. It provides practical guidance to support business innovation and growth in the digital age.

Business partnership, women empowerment and support to women living with HIV/AIDS in Kabale, Uganda

Purpose: This investigation stemmed from the need to support women living with HIV/AIDS using community approaches of business partnerships and women empowerment as opposed to government-and private sector-led support. Research Methodology:  This study adopted systematic sampling techniques for data collection from 123 women living with HIV/AIDS from a designated health center in Kabale Municipality. Women taking ARVs were identified from the points where they were collecting their ARVs, and were given questionnaires after consenting to participate in the study. Results: Women empowerment increased decision-making power, while business partnerships decreased dependence on male partners. Women empowerment increases support for women living with HIV/AIDS compared with business partnerships. Business partnerships, as observed in this study, draw weak relationships from many women living with HIV/AIDS. Women empowerment programs that cut across all age groups are effective in supporting vulnerable women living with HIV/AIDS. Limitations: This study encountered the challenge of interfacing with the respondents, since the information was collected by those in charge of the drug distribution center but not the researchers, and these affected in-depth investigations. Women accessing HIV/AIDS do not want to be identified because of stigma within the community. Contributions: From a public health perspective, designers of intervention programs to support women living with HIV/AIDS should consider inclusiveness in design, driven by age categorizations. Designers of intervention programs to support women living with HIV/AIDS should target business partnerships among low-income earners to reduce vulnerability.

Exploring the potential: Small-scale tourism entrepreneurship in emerging markets

Purpose: This study explores small-scale tourism entrepreneurship in emerging markets to uncover what drives entrepreneurs in this sector. By analyzing factors such as entrepreneurial intentions, perceived opportunities, skills, and market knowledge, this study offers insights into entrepreneurship dynamics in tourism. Research Methodology: Studying small-scale tourism entrepreneurship in emerging markets using a qualitative approach means using methods that focus on understanding the experiences, perceptions, and behaviors of individuals and organizations in the tourism industry. This method is valuable for capturing the complexity of entrepreneurial activities in these markets, where economic, social, and cultural factors significantly influence the success and sustainability of small-scale tourism businesses. Results: Entrepreneurial skills are crucial for success, and this study identifies the essential skills for entrepreneurs in these markets. Market knowledge is key for decision making, and this study highlights its importance in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. Limitations: The focus on small-scale tourism entrepreneurship may overlook large-scale tourism ventures, which could also be significant drivers of economic development in emerging markets. Contributions: By combining these elements, this study offers a thorough understanding of the potential for small-scale tourism entrepreneurship in emerging markets with the goal of providing guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and aspiring entrepreneurs to stimulate industry expansion and progress. Novelty: This study explores how entrepreneurs in these markets tackle challenges and seize opportunities, highlighting their innovative strategies and their impact on local economies. Focusing on this less-explored area, this study aims to offer insights that can guide policymakers, empower entrepreneurs, and enrich academic discussions on entrepreneurship in emerging markets.

Gender roles in tourism development in East Nusa Tenggara -Timor Leste border

Purpose: This research explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating a gender perspective into tourism development in the border regions of East Nusa Tenggara (ENT) and Timor Leste. Research Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, this study collected data through literature reviews and stakeholder interviews. Results: The analysis revealed that women face various obstacles to tourism sector development, such as limited access to capital, unequal job opportunities, and societal gender stereotypes. Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for women to enhance their participation in the tourism industry, potentially leading to increased wellbeing. Limitations: This study acknowledges limitations, including the scope of qualitative research and the challenges in generalizing findings to broader contexts beyond ENT and Timor Leste. Contributions: Based on these findings, this research proposes tourism development strategies focusing on inclusive gender vocational training programs; enhanced collaboration among government, private sector, and educational institutions; and promoting women's leadership and decision-making roles in tourism management. Novelty: This study highlights the potential for more inclusive tourism development in the ENT-Timor Leste border region, with the aim of providing economic benefits to local communities.

The effectiveness of growth strategies used by Zimbabwean microfinance institutions to improve company performance

Purpose: Growth strategies are essential for the survival of MFIs worldwide; however, this phenomenon has not been extensively researched, particularly in developed countries. Accordingly, this study aims to ascertain the effectiveness of the growth strategies used by Zimbabwean microfinance institutions to improve company performance. Research Methodology:  The study adopted a quantitative research approach using an explanatory research design. The target population was drawn from personnel at 10 registered microfinance institutions in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and business development. The targeted population total was 250, and the sample size was 152, using Krejcie and Morgan's sample size determination model. The study employed a stratified sampling technique, and the data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: Results showed that Digital innovation significantly affects the operational efficiency of MFIs. Funding diversification positively influences profitability. The results further show that an increased branch network positively affects the market share. Limitations: The current study's investigation of ten registered microfinance institutions within Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, restricts the generalizability of the findings to other contexts. Contributions: The findings of this study can influence policies and practices in Zimbabwe and other developing countries. The research will contribute massively to microfinance institutions, where they will be able to handle transactions, retain records, manage client databases, and enhance loan disbursement and repayment procedures.