Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; n. 19 (2013); 85-98
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Resumo: The tourism industry constitutes one of the main engines for economic growth and development in many countries, being considered a strategic sector to solve several problems, such as balance of payments’ deficit and unemployment.The private sector plays a central role in tourism, as it is responsible for providing services and tourism activities, undertaking most of the investment, contributing to boosting and upgrading regional and local levels, and boosting investment in basic infrastructures supporting, the development of tourism at regional and local levels. However, the tourism sector, despite the enormous vitality and dynamics of its corporate structure, consists mainly of small and micro scale enterprises, which, given its small size and family structure, have some weaknesses in terms of investment and funding, which inhibits its growth and development. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze rigorously the effective potential of small and micro scale enterprises, in creating the conditions for growth and development of tourism at regional and local levels.
