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192 entrepreneurship
energy, the other sources of renewable energy are
not feasible at the level of tourism development.
Solar water heating is the most common and
increasing use of a renewable source of energy in
tourism operations. Active solar collectors are
already competitive for pool heating, although
construction and operating costs are high and, in
most cases, a back-up system is required. Passive
solar systems are frequently considered for residential
space heating and can readily be applied to
tourism establishments. In passive systems, windows
serve as collectors and internal walls and
structures as heat storage, perhaps with fans for
improved circulation. Passive solar heating is suited
to modern integrated energy-efficient design,
particularly in tourism operations requiring only
low temperature space heating.
Of greater significance and more widespread
application in the tourism industry are energy
efficiency and energy conservation. Cost-effective
measures which can be considered include shifting
from electricity to gas for heating and cooking,
replacing electric hot water systems with solar hot
water �gas-boosted), use of energy-efficient lighting
�long life and fluorescent globes) and appliances,
design and construction of energy-efficient buildings
�exposure to sun/passive solar systems),
consideration of alternative forms of transport,
and education of staff, tourists and management
in energy conservation.
Measures to improve energy efficiency in
tourism operations are cost-effective and contribute
to long-term sustainability of the enterprise. They
also may be well received in a more discerning and
environmentally aware clientele. At the same time,
the transition to energy-efficient modes of operation
can be constrained by real or perceived
barriers. These include upfront costs, inadequate
appreciation and communication of costs of
regular energy sources, and lack of incentives.
See also: environment; environmental
compatability; sustainable development
JOHN J. PIGRAM, AUSTRALIA
entreprenurial education see education,
entrepreneurial
entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is an imperative activity that
initiates the start-up of a profitable business.
Through this activity, the goal is to maintain and
continually develop a business which provides a
profitable long-term future for the company. A
person who undertakes these activities is called an
entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship has become a
dominate force in the US economy, especially in
the hospitality sector. In fact, most hospitality
businesses are comprised of the `mom and pop'
organisations characterised by the entrepreneur
who seeks opportunities in the market, takes
advantage of it and creates a niche. Moreover, an
entrepreneur is proactive, willing to take risks and
adaptable to the changes in the environment.
Due to different characteristics that entrepreneurs
may possess, not all are alike. For example,
entrepreneurial typologies prevalent in the restaurant
sector include the creative, opportunistic
and humanistic characteristics. Each describes a
certain type. A humanistic entrepreneur, for
instance, practices a participative style of management.
However, this type may lack business skills.
An opportunistic entrepreneur seeks out occasions
which create wealth. This type of entrepreneur is
more functional in a firm which is continually
changing and adapts to certain environments. A
creative entrepreneur is an individual who is
visionary and often starts a business from scratch
based on original ideas. It is this type of
entrepreneur who develops the sound concept of
business. An understanding of different characteristics
enables the entrepreneur to match the
appropriate strategies to achieve competitive
advantage and sustain long-term growth.
Entrepreneurship is generally associated with
the introductory phase of an industry's life cycle,
but the entrepreneurial spirit is equally critical in
the maturity phase. These types of entrepreneurship,
individually and together, are present in all
sectors of the tourism industry. Many ± whether in
hotel /tour operator or airline business ± have
led their businesses to national and/or international
fame. As the industry matures, fostering
corporate entrepreneurship is needed for innovative
strategies which would strengthen the position
of tourism in the new century �see innovation).