Fostering tourism and entrepreneurship in fringe communities: Unpacking stakeholder perceptions towards entrepreneurial climate

Abstract

The success of entrepreneurial ventures in tourism is tied to the community ecosystem that supports it. As such, communities are continuing to assess their entrepreneurial climate to identify areas where new programs might enhance entrepreneurial success. Based on previous measures of entrepreneurial climate, the current study furthers the entrepreneurial ecosystem literature within the context of fringe communities as it relates to tourism development. Fringe communities, which are found in the peri-urban outskirts of major cities, have increasingly grown as the urban–rural divide continues to blur. Amenity migrants flock to these communities with access to “best of both worlds” with regard to having access to the resources available in both areas. Given the complexity of community demographics emerging in these communities, this study explored whether stakeholder demographics and relationship with the community affects perception of the entrepreneurial climate. Specifically, this research examined residents’ perceptions in a location demonstrative of fringe communities: Moore County, North Carolina, US. The study found that the most differing views were held on Basic Community Needs, Community spaces/green spaces, Innovative, supportive & celebratory environment, and Community spirit.