Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial self-efficacy on enterprise growth of SMEs in South-Eastern Nigeria: the role of entrepreneurial passion

Nanfa Danjuma Kusa — 2025-09-01

Purpose: This study examines the effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on enterprise growth and the mediating effect of entrepreneurial passion on the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and enterprise growth of small and medium enterprises (SMES) in South Eastern Nigeria.

Research Methodology: To achieve the objectives of the study, primary data were obtained using a questionnaire from a sample size of 399 SME owners in the in South Eastern States of Nigeria, comprising five States; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The data collected were analyzed using PLS-SEM version 4.

Results: The results of the analysis revealed no positive relationship between ESE and EG (? =0.198, t = 1.284, p < 0.00). A positive significant relationship exist between ESE and EP (? = 0.953, t = 149.478, 0.000). EP had a significant and positive effect on EG (? =0.470, t = 3.088, p<0.02). The mediation results revealed full mediation of EP in the relationship between ESE and EG (t = 3.093, P < 0.002).

Conclusion: The study concludes that ESE alone does not directly enhance EG, but when mediated by EP, it significantly contributes to the success of SMEs. Therefore, entrepreneurial passion is essential for translating self-efficacy into enterprise growth.

Limitations: The study is limited to 399 SME owners in South-Eastern Nigeria, restricting broader generalization to SMEs in other regions or contexts.

Contributions: This study provides a fundamental framework for understanding the interplay between ESE, EP, and EG. This study enhances the literature by highlighting the mediating role of passion, informing policy reviews, and offering practical guidance for SME owners and entrepreneurs to strengthen growth strategies through tested entrepreneurial methods.

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

Prabodya Munasingha — 2025-09-02

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.

Sustainable tourism practices adopted by the hotel sector in Zimbabwe. Hotel managers perceptions

Abraham Muchingami — 2025-09-02

Purpose: This study investigated hotel managers perceptions of sustainability practices adopted in the hotel sector in Zimbabwe, focusing on hotels in Mutare. The issue of sustainable business practices is driving modern-day business operations, and hotels are leading the adoption of sustainable tourism practices. Managers perceive the adoption of sustainable tourism practices in varied or indifferent manners. This study focused on identifying the extent to which hotels in Zimbabwe have adopted sustainable practices, the impacts of adopting these practices, the challenges hotels face when adopting these practices, and the strategies hotels implement when adopting these practices.

Research Methodology: A qualitative research design was used to understand hotel managers’ perceptions regarding the adoption of sustainable tourism practices, with interviews being used to collect data. The study’s population comprised managerial employees and supervisors of selected hotels in Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Results: The findings revealed that the implementation of sustainable practices has a positive impact on hotel operations in terms of reduced consumption of water and energy, waste reduction, promotion of the local economy, and empowerment of societies.

Conclusion: Hotels in Mutare perceive sustainability as highly beneficial, not only for cost savings and environmental protection but also for competitive advantages. Training, guest involvement, and certification emerged as essential strategies, whereas resistance, high costs, and lack of knowledge were noted as barriers.

Limitations: The study used only hotel managers in Mutare to represent all hotel managers in Zimbabwe, and it was purely qualitative.

Contributions: The study concluded that waste management undertakings, such as recycling, re-use, or sale of processed or unprocessed waste substances, can also contribute towards efficiency.

Influence of beach attributes on recreationists’ beach preferences: Evidence from Mombasa, Kenya

Jesca Ketura Atsieno — 2025-09-04

Purpose: This study examines how beach attributes influence preferences among resident recreationists in Mombasa County, Kenya, and explores how recreationists' characteristics moderate these preferences.

Methodology/approach: A survey of 77 frequent beachgoers (visiting ?3 times weekly) was conducted at four beaches using enumerator-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics profiled demographics, exploratory factor analysis assessed environmental attitudes, conjoint analysis evaluated beach profile preferences (cleanliness, safety, congestion), and binary logistic regression examined moderating effects of demographics and attitudes.

Results/findings: Clean, litter-free, patrolled, and uncrowded beaches were strongly preferred. Heavy litter and the absence of patrols significantly detracted from appeal, while congestion moderately reduced preferences. Gender significantly moderated the influence of congestion, highlighting differing valuations between male and female recreationists. These findings underscore the need for targeted management strategies to enhance beach experiences.

Conclusion: The study reveals that extreme levels of key beach attributes-cleanliness, patrolling frequency, and congestion-significantly influence recreationists' preferences.

Limitations: The cross-sectional design limits insights into the evolution of preferences over time. Longitudinal studies are recommended to assess how environmental education, management changes, and societal norms influence preferences. Additionally, the context-specific findings suggest a need for comparative studies across diverse regions.

Contribution: This study contributes empirical evidence on resident beach preferences, an often-overlooked segment in tourism research. By applying conjoint analysis, it provides nuanced insights into how varying levels of cleanliness, safety, and congestion shape preferences, offering actionable guidance for beach management and policy.

Stakeholder engagement and organisational interest in ecotourism development at brumas forest plantation

Mohd Daud Tampokong — 2025-09-04

Purpose: This study examined stakeholder engagement and organisational interest in ecotourism development at Brumas Forest Plantation, Sabah. It explored local communities’ perceptions, participation barriers, and the role of Sabah Softwoods Berhad (SSB) in promoting sustainable tourism initiatives.

Research Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating survey, interview, and focus group discussion (FGD). Data were collected from 250 local residents and nine SSB personnel. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti.

Results: 88.4% of the respondents recognised the ecotourism potential but only 19.2% actively participated. Main barriers included poor infrastructure (74.0%), limited promotion (69.6%), and insufficient government support (66.8%). Despite this, communities expressed interest if structured programmes, training, and economic incentives were provided. SSB supported ecotourism but emphasised the need for clear policies and collaborative frameworks.

Conclusion: Effective development requires coordinated stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and community empowerment. Corporate efforts alone are insufficient without addressing local barriers and governance support.

Limitations: The study was limited to Brumas, reducing generalisability to other contexts.

Contributions: This research integrates community and corporate views to offer practical strategies for bridging the gap between ecotourism potential and participation. It contributes to literature on sustainable tourism, rural development, and CSR.

An exploration of service quality in relation to tourist satisfaction at Lebakmuncang Tourism Village

Mayang Fitri Anggani — 2025-09-08

Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationship between service quality and tourist satisfaction in Lebakmuncang Tourism Village, located in Bandung Regency. The research emphasizes the importance of service quality in enhancing visitor satisfaction, particularly within the framework of community-based tourism.

Research Methodology: A descriptive quantitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected from 95 tourist respondents through a structured questionnaire utilizing the Likert scale. The instrument was adapted from the SERVQUAL model and included additional dimensions such as willingness to serve, openness, reputation, and credibility.

Results: The results indicate that tourists provided highly positive evaluations of various service quality dimensions, including physical evidence, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and emotional aspects. These assessments correspond with high levels of tourist satisfaction in terms of contentment, enjoyment, favorable impressions, and overall experience.

Conclusion: The study confirms a strong correlation between service quality and tourist satisfaction. Quality service not only boosts visitor loyalty and destination appeal but also supports operational efficiency through positive word-of-mouth.

Limitations: This study is limited to a single destination and uses self-reported data, which may not capture broader variations or longitudinal changes in perception.

Contributions: This research contributes empirical evidence to the tourism service literature and offers strategic insights for stakeholders in community-based tourism to enhance service delivery and destination sustainability.

Semarang’s nature tourism: Sustaining growth through digital-based innovation and stakeholder collaboration

Putra Perdana — 2025-09-08

Purpose: This study aims to explore strategies for conserving sustainable nature tourism in Semarang City by emphasizing the roles of stakeholder collaboration and digital-based innovation. As a provincial capital, Semarang holds diverse yet under-optimized tourism potential, especially in its natural attractions.

Methodology/approach: The research uses a qualitative case study approach focusing on Tinjomoyo Forest and Jatibarang Reservoir. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, participant observation, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns related to collaboration and digital transformation in tourism management.

Results/findings: Findings show that collaboration among local governments, MSMEs, and communities has supported improvements in tourism services and promotion. However, the adoption of digital technologies for governance and marketing remains limited. Infrastructure deficits and lack of digital capacity are key barriers

Conclusion: Strengthening stakeholder collaboration, enhancing digital literacy, and developing inclusive infrastructure are critical to advancing sustainable tourism in Semarang. A practical development model integrating community empowerment and technology is essential for long-term impact.equipment, reducing reliance on conventional UPS systems.

Limitations: This study is limited to two tourism sites and relies solely on qualitative methods, reducing its generalizability.

Contribution: This research contributes to the discourse on urban sustainable tourism by offering a replicable model centered on collaboration and digital innovation, particularly applicable to developing cities facing rapid urbanization and environmental challenges.

The role of seasonal trends in shaping tourist preferences for luxury resort: Big data approach

Luh Made Gunapria Hindu Rajeswari Pamungkas — 2025-09-08

Purpose: This study aims to examine seasonal patterns in tourist preferences for luxury resort stays in Bali, with a focus on how cultural backgrounds influence accommodation choices. The goal is to help resorts better understand guest behavior and optimize occupancy strategies.

Methodology/approach: The research analyzes monthly online review data from Tripadvisor for Bvlgari Resort Bali, a prominent luxury hotel. A time-series analysis using the ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) model is applied to forecast occupancy trends. Prior to modeling, the data is tested for stationarity. In addition to forecasting, the study explores guest preferences by analyzing cultural characteristics inferred from reviews, categorizing them into collectivist and individualist orientations.

Results/findings: Findings reveal that occupancy trends do not strictly align with the hotel’s predefined seasonal categories. Instead, they are shaped by global travel trends and cultural factors. Guests from collectivist cultures tend to prefer facilities that support group interaction and shared experiences, while those from individualist cultures prioritize privacy, exclusivity, and personalized services. The ARIMA model delivers accurate forecasting results, helping to predict future occupancy rates effectively.

Conclusion: IoT integration enhances the reliability of hospital-based PV systems. Tourist behavior is not solely dictated by conventional seasons but also by cultural expectations and travel motivations. Leveraging these insights allows hotels to better align operations, marketing, and pricing strategies with actual guest preferences.

Limitations: The study is limited to a single resort and uses data from one online review platform, which may not fully capture the diversity of all guests.

Contribution: This study contributes to tourism analytics, cross-cultural marketing, and hotel management by offering data-driven strategies to enhance occupancy performance.