Family business in tourism - State of the art

A generic model of family business development provides the framework for examining the nature of such businesses in tourism. These enterprises are often centered on a vision which places personal or family needs and preferences ahead of growth and profit maximization. The tourism industry in particular attracts numerous entrepreneurs with predominantly lifestyle motives, yet challenges them in specific ways. Four major themes identified in the literature are discussed, namely small and family business operations, links to entrepreneurship, roles and responsibilities of family members, and destination or community development. Important research gaps are identified, and future research priorities are Suggested. Implications for both family business and tourism theory are discussed.