Business Development Issues Affecting Nature-based Tourism Operators in Australia

Abstract

The paper reports on research carried out on Australian nature-based operators that asked them to discuss what they wished they knew before they entered the sector, or alternatively, what they feel every new operator must know before entering business. The purpose of the study is to seek advice, in a qualitative manner, from established nature-based tour operators on the types of knowledge and skills needed by prospective new entrants to this sector. The study revealed that the problems of running a nature-based tour business in Australia are very similar to the generic problems faced by all manner of small businesses. To succeed, operators must be multi-skilled, they must possess the right personal qualities, business planning and management skills and they mustalso have appropriate operational skills to be able to deliver the products. A lack of ability in any of these skill or attribute areas may have an adverse effect on the success of the business.