Government support for revitalizing performance of tourism MSMEs: A resource advantage theory perspective

Published: Sep 2, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the impact of Government Support on revitalizing the Environmental and Financial Performance of Tourism MSMEs with the Resource Advantage theory perspective.

Methodology/approach: Data were collected from 384 TMSMEs through a snowball sampling technique using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Three multiple linear regression models were constructed to investigate the impact of Government Support as an independent variable on performance as a dependent variable, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to analyze the data.

Results/findings: The results indicate that both Government Financial (GFS) and Non-Financial Support (GNFS) significantly influence the financial and environmental performance of TMSMEs at a 5% level. Moreover, GFS shows a slightly high impact on financial performance GNFS, although both supports show a significant impact on revitalizing the performance of businesses in emerging economies.

Conclusion: The study concludes that government financial and non-financial support are critical determinants of tourism MSME performance. Strengthened support not only enhances financial viability but also fosters environmental accountability, aligning with the principles of sustainable development.

Limitations: The study focused on TMSMEs in selected emerging tourism regions of Sri Lanka, a least-developed economy, using a quantitative approach. Business performance was assessed through subjective measures due to owners' reluctance to disclose financial data.

Contribution: The study contributes to R-A theory by highlighting how government support strengthens firms' resource capabilities, leading to superior performance. It also facilitates policymakers, tourism entrepreneurs, and regulators in fostering regional development by revitalizing TMSMEs, reducing socio-economic disparities, and increasing per capita income.

Keywords:
1. Environmental Performance
2. Financial Performance
3. Government Support
4. R-A Theory
5. Tourism MSMEs
Authors:
1 . Prabodya Munasingha
2 . Ruwan Ranasinghe
3 . Dinushi Ranathunga
4 . Shashika Pattiyagedara
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7486-9169
How to Cite
Munasingha, P., Ranasinghe, R., Ranathunga, D. ., & Pattiyagedara, S. (2025). Government support for revitalizing performance of tourism MSMEs: A resource advantage theory perspective. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 7(1), 17–34. https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v7i1.2568

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Author Biographies

Prabodya Munasingha, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Prabodya Munasingha (prabodya555@gmail.com) is Lecturer in field of Tourism, Hospitality & Events Management attached to Department of Tourism Studies, Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. Holding a Bachelor of Business Management Honours degree in Hospitality Tourism and Events Management from Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka.  Currently she is reading for MSc in Management at University of Sri Jayewardenepura. And her research interest areas focus on Tourism Management, Tourism Economics, Feminism, Tourism MSMEs Development, Sustainable Tourism Management, Rural/Regional Development, Technology in Tourism and Destination Management and Marketing.

Ruwan Ranasinghe, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Ruwan Ranasinghe is a Professor of Tourism Management attached to the Department of Tourism Studies/Dean, Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka. Ruwan holds a PhD in Tourism Management from School of Tourism Management, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PRC. His research interests and expertise are; Tourism Planning and Management, Tourist Destination Marketing, Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Hospitality Management, Events Marketing and Management, and SDGs and Sustainable Tourism Management.

Dinushi Ranathunga, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Ms. R.A.D.D.N. Ranatunga is a Former Lecturer (Probationary) at Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, attached to the Department of Tourism Studies, Faculty of Management. She obtained her first degree from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka with a BSc. in Tourism and Hospitality Management (Special) with Second Class Upper Division. Her main research specialization areas are Health Tourism, Hospitality Management, Indigenous Tourism, Cultural Tourism, and Sustainable Tourism.

Shashika Pattiyagedara, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Shashika Shyamali Pattiyagedara (shashika.p@uwu.ac.lk) is a Lecturer in Tourism, Hospitality, and Events Management at the Department of Tourism Studies, Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management Honours degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Management from Uva Wellassa University. Her research interests primarily focus on sustainable development, responsible tourism, and destination management and marketing.

References

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    Anwar, M., & Li, S. (2021). Spurring competitiveness, financial and environmental performance of SMEs through government financial and non-financial support. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23(5), 7860-7882. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00951-3

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    Aziz, N. A., & Sharifuddin, J. (2019). Assessing The Effects Of Government Incentives On The Performance Of Smes In Food Manufacturing Sector. International Journal of Community Development & Management Studies, 3(43-55). doi: https://doi.org/10.31355/40 .

    Branchet, B., Augier, B., Boissin, J. P., & Quere, B. (2011). Strategic governmental economic activities in support of young French SMEs. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 18(2), 384-402. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/14626001111127133.

    Choi, J.-U., Lee, C.-Y., & Lee, J.-H. (2024). Does government support make small and medium-sized enterprises reluctant to grow? Evidence from South Korea. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, 29(2), 668-692.doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13547860.2022.2039505 .

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    Cong, L. C., & Thu, D. A. (2021). The competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector: the role of leadership competencies. Journal of Economics and Development, 23(3), 299-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/jed-06-2020-0080.

    DCS. (2015). Annual Survey Of Industries Final Report 2013. Retrieved from

    Deyshappriya, N., & Abeyweera, G. (2019). Recognizing viable SMEs sector economically, environmentally and socially: evidence from Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Empirical Research, 9(12), 413-433.doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.18488/journal.1007/2019.9.12/1007.12.413.433.

    Deyshappriya, N., & Nawarathna, A. (2020). Tourism and SME development: performance of tourism SMEs in coastal tourist destinations in southern Sri Lanka. Retrieved from

    Gölgeci, I., Gligor, D. M., Tatoglu, E., & Arda, O. A. (2019). A relational view of environmental performance: what role do environmental collaboration and cross-functional alignment play? Journal of Business Research, 96, 35-46. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.10.058 .

    Grimmer, L., Miles, M. P., & Grimmer, M. (2015). A research note on the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on small retailer performance: a resource-advantage perspective. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 11, 409-424. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-013-0279-y .

    Henrekson, M., & Johansson, D. (2010). Gazelles as job creators: a survey and interpretation of the evidence. Small Business Economics, 35, 227-244. doi: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1092938 .

    Hiong, L. S., Ferdinand, A. T., & Listiana, E. (2020). Techno-resonance innovation capability for enhancing marketing performance: A perspective of RA-theory. Business: Theory and Practice, 21(1), 329-339. doi: https://doi.org/10.3846/btp.2020.12117 .

    Jauriyah, S., Sarkawi, N., Jaaffar, A. R., & Abdul Rahim, N. (2017). Malaysian SMEs Performance and the Government Business Support Service: The Moderating Effects of Absorptive Capacity. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 6(4). doi: https://doi.org/10.59160/ijscm.v6i4.1941.

    Jeewanthia, N. K., & Bhavan, T. (2020). The determinants of financial performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Badulla district. Journal of Management, 15(1), 40-47. doi: https://doi.org/10.4038/jm.v15i1.7595

    Karunarathne, A., Ranasinghe, J., Sammani, U., & Perera, K. (2021). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism operations and resilience: stakeholders’ perspective in Sri Lanka. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 13(3), 369-382. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/whatt-01-2021-0009

    Laari, S., Töyli, J., & Ojala, L. (2018). The effect of a competitive strategy and green supply chain management on the financial and environmental performance of logistics service providers. Business Strategy and the Environment, 27(7), 872-883. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2038 .

    Mahmoud, M. A., Mahmoud, A., Abubakar, S. L., Garba, A. S., & Daneji, B. A. (2022). COVID-19 operational disruption and SMEs' performance: The moderating role of disruption orientation and government support. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 29(9), 2641-2664.doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/bij-03-2021-0131 .

    Martinez-Conesa, I., Soto-Acosta, P., & Palacios-Manzano, M. (2017). Corporate social responsibility and its effect on innovation and firm performance: An empirical research in SMEs. Journal of cleaner production, 142, 2374-2383. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.11.038

    Nakku, V. B., Agbola, F. W., Miles, M. P., & Mahmood, A. (2020). The interrelationship between SME government support programs, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance: A developing economy perspective. Journal of Small Business Management, 58(1), 2-31. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2019.1659671.

    Nulkar, G. (2014). SMEs and environmental performance–A framework for green business strategies. Procedia-social and behavioral sciences, 133, 130-140. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.177 .

    Pattiyagedara, P., & Ranasinghe, J. (2023). Responsible tourism development-A systematic review & bibliometric analysis. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 4(2), 143-169. doi: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3862070/v1

    Picas, S., Reis, P., Pinto, A., & Abrantes, J. L. (2021). Does tax, financial, and government incentives impact long-term portuguese smes’ sustainable company performance? Sustainability, 13(21), 11866. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111866 .

    Rajabi, A., & Ghalehteimouri, K. J. (2023). Application of Meta-SWOT method for tourism development planning of Farsi Island of the Persian Gulf Region. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 4(3), 189-204. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v4i2.1935.

    Rao, P., Verma, S., Rao, A. A., & Joshi, R. (2023). A conceptual framework for identifying sustainable business practices of small and medium enterprises. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 30(6), 1806-1831. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/bij-11-2021-0699.

    Ratnayake, R., Menike, E., & Perera, T. (2013). Factors affecting growth of SMEs in tourism industry in Sri Lanka.

    Sah, S., Chaudhary, P., Naik, D., Nidhan, & Agrawal, S. (2023). Young Entrepreneurs & the Challenges and Barriers while Scaling Up. 8(4), 667. doi: http://doi.one/10.1729/Journal.38393.

    Salubre, P. L. R., Bahalla, J. L., & Almagro, R. E. (2024). Psychological capital of employee and innovativeness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 5(3), 203-223. doi: https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v5i3.2242 .

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    Seow, A. N., Choong, Y. O., & Ramayah, T. (2021). Small and medium-size enterprises’ business performance in tourism industry: the mediating role of innovative practice and moderating role of government support. Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 29(2), 283-303. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/19761597.2020.1798796 .

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    Vij, S., & Bedi, H. S. (2016). Are subjective business performance measures justified? International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 65(5), 603-621. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm-12-2014-0196 .

    Xiang, D., & Worthington, A. C. (2017). The impact of government financial assistance on the performance and financing of Australian SMEs. Accounting research journal, 30(4), 447-464. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/arj-04-2014-0034 .

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    Zhang, Y., Khan, U., Lee, S., & Salik, M. (2019). The influence of management innovation and technological innovation on organization performance. A mediating role of sustainability. Sustainability, 11(2), 495. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020495

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  2. Amanah, N., Sena, B., Suhendra, B., Yatim, A., & Zaki, S. A. (2024). Empowering society and culinary MSMEs for sustainable development goals initiatives in West Java. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 5(3), 159-178. doi: https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v5i3.1756 .
  3. Anwar, M., & Li, S. (2021). Spurring competitiveness, financial and environmental performance of SMEs through government financial and non-financial support. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23(5), 7860-7882. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00951-3
  4. Arshad, M., Ahmad, M., Ali, M., Khan, W., & Arshad, M. (2020). The role of government business support services and absorptive capacity on SMES performance. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(3), 1492-1499.
  5. Aziz, N. A., & Sharifuddin, J. (2019). Assessing The Effects Of Government Incentives On The Performance Of Smes In Food Manufacturing Sector. International Journal of Community Development & Management Studies, 3(43-55). doi: https://doi.org/10.31355/40 .
  6. Branchet, B., Augier, B., Boissin, J. P., & Quere, B. (2011). Strategic governmental economic activities in support of young French SMEs. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 18(2), 384-402. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/14626001111127133.
  7. Choi, J.-U., Lee, C.-Y., & Lee, J.-H. (2024). Does government support make small and medium-sized enterprises reluctant to grow? Evidence from South Korea. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, 29(2), 668-692.doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13547860.2022.2039505 .
  8. Clement, K., & Hansen, M. (2003). Financial incentives to improve environmental performance: a review of Nordic public sector support for SMEs. European Environment, 13(1), 34-47. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/eet.308.
  9. Cong, L. C., & Thu, D. A. (2021). The competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector: the role of leadership competencies. Journal of Economics and Development, 23(3), 299-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/jed-06-2020-0080.
  10. DCS. (2015). Annual Survey Of Industries Final Report 2013. Retrieved from
  11. Deyshappriya, N., & Abeyweera, G. (2019). Recognizing viable SMEs sector economically, environmentally and socially: evidence from Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Empirical Research, 9(12), 413-433.doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.18488/journal.1007/2019.9.12/1007.12.413.433.
  12. Deyshappriya, N., & Nawarathna, A. (2020). Tourism and SME development: performance of tourism SMEs in coastal tourist destinations in southern Sri Lanka. Retrieved from
  13. Gölgeci, I., Gligor, D. M., Tatoglu, E., & Arda, O. A. (2019). A relational view of environmental performance: what role do environmental collaboration and cross-functional alignment play? Journal of Business Research, 96, 35-46. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.10.058 .
  14. Grimmer, L., Miles, M. P., & Grimmer, M. (2015). A research note on the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on small retailer performance: a resource-advantage perspective. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 11, 409-424. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-013-0279-y .
  15. Henrekson, M., & Johansson, D. (2010). Gazelles as job creators: a survey and interpretation of the evidence. Small Business Economics, 35, 227-244. doi: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1092938 .
  16. Hiong, L. S., Ferdinand, A. T., & Listiana, E. (2020). Techno-resonance innovation capability for enhancing marketing performance: A perspective of RA-theory. Business: Theory and Practice, 21(1), 329-339. doi: https://doi.org/10.3846/btp.2020.12117 .
  17. Jauriyah, S., Sarkawi, N., Jaaffar, A. R., & Abdul Rahim, N. (2017). Malaysian SMEs Performance and the Government Business Support Service: The Moderating Effects of Absorptive Capacity. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 6(4). doi: https://doi.org/10.59160/ijscm.v6i4.1941.
  18. Jeewanthia, N. K., & Bhavan, T. (2020). The determinants of financial performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Badulla district. Journal of Management, 15(1), 40-47. doi: https://doi.org/10.4038/jm.v15i1.7595
  19. Karunarathne, A., Ranasinghe, J., Sammani, U., & Perera, K. (2021). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism operations and resilience: stakeholders’ perspective in Sri Lanka. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 13(3), 369-382. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/whatt-01-2021-0009
  20. Laari, S., Töyli, J., & Ojala, L. (2018). The effect of a competitive strategy and green supply chain management on the financial and environmental performance of logistics service providers. Business Strategy and the Environment, 27(7), 872-883. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2038 .
  21. Mahmoud, M. A., Mahmoud, A., Abubakar, S. L., Garba, A. S., & Daneji, B. A. (2022). COVID-19 operational disruption and SMEs' performance: The moderating role of disruption orientation and government support. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 29(9), 2641-2664.doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/bij-03-2021-0131 .
  22. Martinez-Conesa, I., Soto-Acosta, P., & Palacios-Manzano, M. (2017). Corporate social responsibility and its effect on innovation and firm performance: An empirical research in SMEs. Journal of cleaner production, 142, 2374-2383. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.11.038
  23. Nakku, V. B., Agbola, F. W., Miles, M. P., & Mahmood, A. (2020). The interrelationship between SME government support programs, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance: A developing economy perspective. Journal of Small Business Management, 58(1), 2-31. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2019.1659671.
  24. Nulkar, G. (2014). SMEs and environmental performance–A framework for green business strategies. Procedia-social and behavioral sciences, 133, 130-140. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.177 .
  25. Pattiyagedara, P., & Ranasinghe, J. (2023). Responsible tourism development-A systematic review & bibliometric analysis. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 4(2), 143-169. doi: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3862070/v1
  26. Picas, S., Reis, P., Pinto, A., & Abrantes, J. L. (2021). Does tax, financial, and government incentives impact long-term portuguese smes’ sustainable company performance? Sustainability, 13(21), 11866. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111866 .
  27. Rajabi, A., & Ghalehteimouri, K. J. (2023). Application of Meta-SWOT method for tourism development planning of Farsi Island of the Persian Gulf Region. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 4(3), 189-204. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v4i2.1935.
  28. Rao, P., Verma, S., Rao, A. A., & Joshi, R. (2023). A conceptual framework for identifying sustainable business practices of small and medium enterprises. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 30(6), 1806-1831. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/bij-11-2021-0699.
  29. Ratnayake, R., Menike, E., & Perera, T. (2013). Factors affecting growth of SMEs in tourism industry in Sri Lanka.
  30. Sah, S., Chaudhary, P., Naik, D., Nidhan, & Agrawal, S. (2023). Young Entrepreneurs & the Challenges and Barriers while Scaling Up. 8(4), 667. doi: http://doi.one/10.1729/Journal.38393.
  31. Salubre, P. L. R., Bahalla, J. L., & Almagro, R. E. (2024). Psychological capital of employee and innovativeness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 5(3), 203-223. doi: https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v5i3.2242 .
  32. Santos, J. B., & Brito, L. A. L. (2012). Toward a subjective measurement model for firm performance. BAR-Brazilian Administration Review, 9, 95-117. doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/s1807-76922012000500007 .
  33. Seow, A. N., Choong, Y. O., & Ramayah, T. (2021). Small and medium-size enterprises’ business performance in tourism industry: the mediating role of innovative practice and moderating role of government support. Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 29(2), 283-303. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/19761597.2020.1798796 .
  34. Shamsuddoha, A., Yunus Ali, M., & Oly Ndubisi, N. (2009). Impact of government export assistance on internationalization of SMEs from developing nations. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 22(4), 408-422. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/17410390910975022 .
  35. SLTDA. (2022). Annual Report 2022 - Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Retrieved from https://sltda.gov.lk/en/annual-report
  36. Surangi, H. A. K. N. S. (2021). Women Entrepreneurial Networks and Small Business Development: A Study Based on Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka: Ongoing Research Project. Journal of International Business Research and Marketing, 6, 26-31. doi: https://doi.org/10.18775/jibrm.1849-8558.2015.65.3004
  37. uvarede.up.gov.lk/. (2019). Uva Province Statistics. Retrieved from https://uvarede.up.gov.lk/new/
  38. Vij, S., & Bedi, H. S. (2016). Are subjective business performance measures justified? International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 65(5), 603-621. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm-12-2014-0196 .
  39. Xiang, D., & Worthington, A. C. (2017). The impact of government financial assistance on the performance and financing of Australian SMEs. Accounting research journal, 30(4), 447-464. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/arj-04-2014-0034 .
  40. Yuliastuti, H., Kamsariaty, K., Istiqaroh, C. R., Mastuti, D. N., Yosepha, S. Y., Irmadiani, N. D., & Suryawan, R. F. (2024). Exploring the potential: Small-scale tourism entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 6(1), 31-43. doi: https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v6i1.2081 .
  41. Zhang, Y., Khan, U., Lee, S., & Salik, M. (2019). The influence of management innovation and technological innovation on organization performance. A mediating role of sustainability. Sustainability, 11(2), 495. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020495