Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

Swart, Magdalena Petronella, Bernauer, Vanessa S., and Thirumaran, K. (2024) Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions. In: Swart, Magdalena Petronella, Cai, Wenjie, Yang, Elaine Chiao Ling, and Kimbu, Albert Nsom, (eds.) Routledge Handbook on Gender in Tourism: Views on Teaching Research and Praxis. Routledge, Abingdon, UK, pp. 270-288.

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Abstract

Research often portrays women as weaker entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry. Our systematic literature review sheds light on women’s entrepreneurial success in H&T by examining four determining factors to success (or failure) for women’s entrepreneurship: (1) motivations that lead women to become entrepreneurs, (2) barriers they face, (3) non-government strategies, and (4) governmental policies. Our findings suggest that financial and legal support, training, political, social, and cultural backing are among the consistent success factors examined in previous studies. However, scholarship is silent on how the four key themes can be aligned to support women to succeed in H&T entrepreneurship. As a key contribution, this systematic literature review provides a template for future research that starts from the identifiable success factors. In addition, this work provides practitioners such as policymakers and industry leaders with a better understanding of how to reduce barriers to women’s entrepreneurship.

Item ID: 86946
Item Type: Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN: 9781003286721
Keywords: Barriers, Motivations, Policies, Strategies, Tourism and Hospitality, Women entrepreneurs
Copyright Information: © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Magdalena Petronella (Nellie) Swart, Wenjie Cai, Elaine Chiao Ling Yang, and Albert Nsom Kimbu; individual chapters, the contributors.
Date Deposited: 10 Dec 2025 02:32
FoR Codes: 35 COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES > 3507 Strategy, management and organisational behaviour > 350704 Entrepreneurship @ 100%
SEO Codes: 11 COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND TOURISM > 1104 Tourism services > 110402 Socio-cultural issues in tourism @ 100%
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