ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

This paper advocates a three-pronged approach to tourism education consisting of professional, vocational, and entrepreneurial training. In the past, the debate on appropriate tourism education in developing countries has centered on the relative merits of two of these approaches-professional education and vocational training. This discussion, however, focuses on the third component: entrepreneurial development. The importance of entrepreneurship in the tourism industry is discussed and some examples of existing programs are provided. Four criteria for the design of a successful entrepreneurial development program are outlined. Finally, the special economic, political, and social issues facing the educators of tourism entrepreneurs in developing countries are addressed.