ABSTRACT
In the increasingly competitive environment that is rural tourism, the ability of small business operators to provide a unique and enjoyable experience is a key to the development of a sustainable tourism industry within the region. A factor in this development is the presence of entrepreneurs, whether they are business operators or community leaders. These entrepreneurs have the ability to recognise opportunities within the area and in the case of successful rural areas they provide an impetus for other business operators to develop or expand tourism products.
