Key attributes of tourism sector entrepreneurs in Southeast Europe

Purpose - This study examines attributes of tourism sector entrepreneurs, identifying characteristics of individuals belonging to this entrepreneurial group in Southeast Europe. Methodology - The research is based on the GEM database from 2020, which includes Croatia, Greece and Slovenia. Binary logistic regression was performed using the SPSS software package. Findings - The findings reveal that younger individuals and those with higher incomes are more likely to engage in entrepreneurial activity within the tourism sector. Opportunity perception and entrepreneurial proactivity have the same effect, whereas necessity-driven motives are negatively related to entrepreneurial activity in the tourism sector. Entrepreneurs with lower growth expectations or those oriented toward internationalization, particularly those with higher export income, are more likely to be involved in tourism. Conversely, the use of new technologies and innovative procedures is negatively associated with entrepreneurial activity in this sector. Implications - These findings have important implications for the creation of policies that can encourage the development of tourism as a strategic sector, including targeted training of entrepreneurs and support programs that would encourage investment and innovation in tourism.