Social entrepreneurship in tourism: applying sustainable livelihoods approaches

Purpose: Social entrepreneurs (SEs) in tourism are regarded as drivers for linking destination communities with enterprises, aiming to create economic benefits and livelihoods. This paper investigates whether the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) enables an analysis of the complex interrelations and interdependencies between SEs, destination communities’ livelihood assets, and related transforming structures and processes. Design/methodology/approach: Data was gathered through participatory action research at a tourism lodge and its foundation, which facilitated agricultural training, and by conducting in-depth interviews with ten key stakeholders. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) served as the theoretical framework. Findings: The SLA enables an analysis of interrelations and interdependencies between various stakeholders and to visualise the way SEs forge the impacts tourism has on livelihoods. The agricultural project did not reach its full potential due to, amongst other factors, competing aims between the profit and non-profit business, resulting in the lack of a clear vision and strategy. Additional challenges were dependency on external funding and a lack of reciprocal communication between the stakeholders involved. Research limitations/implications: This research is based on one case study and findings cannot be generalised. Future studies should develop the SLF further, possibly through adaptation and integration of other tools. Practical implications: The SLF enables researchers to integrate local knowledge and participatory research methods, thus facilitating engagement and learning between different stakeholders. Originality/value: Through empirical research, this paper adds valuable insights into the applicability of the SLF in the context of social entrepreneurship in tourism.