Senior entrepreneurship in tourist places

Abstract

This study examines the drivers and conditions of senior entrepreneurship in tourist places using place embeddedness theory. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with senior business owners, study findings identify the different roles they play according to their entrepreneurial orientation and level of place embeddedness. By depicting these along a continuum, the study reveals the personal and contextual conditions that enhance and/or restrict senior entrepreneurship in tourist places. The study concludes with suggestions on how senior entrepreneurship may contribute to the perceived authenticity of tourist places and the enhancement of the tourist experience.