Received:
2026-01-15 | Accepted:
2026-06-04 | Published:
2026-06-30
Title
Public bodies' support for the sustainability of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in The Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Abstract
This study examines the role of public bodies in supporting SMTEs. The authors acknowledge that the involvement of public entities in strengthening the capacity and resilience of SMTEs is becoming increasingly critical in today's economic environment. SMTEs comprise a substantial portion of the tourism industry, accounting for over 80% of business activity in many regions. Their growth fosters local economic development, encourages cultural exchange, and promotes innovation within communities. Public bodies play a vital role in facilitating this growth through various strategic actions, such as providing financial support, developing policies, and offering resources essential for the sustainability of these businesses. The research was conducted with the understanding that, although multiple studies have explored the topic, a significant gap exists regarding the role of public bodies in promoting the sustainability of SMTEs, particularly in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A quantitative approach was used, involving a cross-sectional survey of 160 respondents, SMTE owners in the Eastern Cape, to gather insights from key stakeholders knowledgeable about SMTE ownership in the region. To ensure the instrument accurately measured what it intended to, the study tested its validity, specifically using the content validity index technique. A pilot survey was conducted with 45 respondents from a different population than the main sample. Based on this pilot, the content validity index for the entire instrument and individual items was calculated. The validity indices ranged from 0.79 to 0.81 for the overall instrument and for the scales POG, GF, POR, POAI, PORF, and SOTSMEs, respectively. All coefficients exceeded or closely approached the 0.78 threshold, confirming the instrument’s validity. The study tested eight hypotheses, of which four were rejected, and four were supported.
Keywords
public bodies, small-medium tourism enterprises, SMEs, entrepreneurship, government
JEL classifications
L26
URI
http://jssidoi.org/ird/article/258
DOI
Pages
178-190
Funding
We acknowledge the funding received from Walter Sisulu University for charges associated with this article.
This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
References
Adaga, E. M., Egieya, Z. E., Ewuga, S. K., Abdul, A. A. & Abrahams, T. O. (2024). Philosophy in business analytics: a review of sustainable and ethical approaches. International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 6(1), 69-86 https://doi.org/10.51594/ijmer.v6i1.710
Search via ReFindit
Altman, J., & Cheng, M. (2024). Challenges and strategies for small and medium-sized enterprise growth: a holistic approach. Journal of Enterprise and Business Intelligence, 117-125 https://doi.org/10.53759/5181/jebi202404012
Search via ReFindit
Anaba, O., Asunka, B., Boatbil, C., Polycarp, D., Akanyako, J., & Oruonye, E. (2024). Embracing business sustainability: the case of small and micro tourist accommodation in the Upper East Region. African Journal of Applied Research, 10(1), 359-373 https://doi.org/10.26437/ajar.v10i1.708
Search via ReFindit
Anakpo, G., & Mishi, A. (2024). Research types, design, and methodology. In Mishi, S. & Maredza, A. Research Methods for Economics. Pretoria: Van Schaik https://www.vanschaiknet.com/catalogue/research-methods-for-economics/
Search via ReFindit
Bartley, A. & Hashemi, L. (2024). Quantitative data analysis and interpretation. In Fouché, C.B., Strydom, H., & Roestenburg, W. J. H. Research at grassroots for the social sciences and human services professions. 5th ed. Pretoria: Van Schaik https://hdl.handle.net/2292/67035
Search via ReFindit
Cilliers, J. (2017). Fate of the nation: 3 scenarios for South Africa’s future. Cape Town: Jonathan Ball https://www.amazon.com/Fate-Nation-Scenarios-Africas-Future/dp/1868427978
Search via ReFindit
Daraojimba, C., Abioye, K. M., Bakare, A. D., Mhlongo, N. Z., Onunka, O. & Daraojimba, D. O. (2023). Technology and innovation for the growth of entrepreneurship and financial boost: a decade in review (2013-2023). International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 5(10), 769-792 https://doi.org/10.51594/ijmer.v5i10.593
Search via ReFindit
Department of Small Business Development. (2019). DSBD Annual Report 2018/19 Vote No. 31, Pretoria: DSBD https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/29307/
Search via ReFindit
Funding. We acknowledge the funding received from Walter Sisulu University for charges associated with this article.
Search via ReFindit
Gamede, B. T. (2023). Entrepreneurship as an Instrument for Curbing Unemployment in Rural Communities of South Africa. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education, 7 https://www.scirp.org/%28S%28czeh2tfqyw2orz553k1w0r45%29%29/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3950345
Search via ReFindit
Giraldo, M., Rodríguez, O., Guidice, O., & Betts, M. (2024). Facilitators and hinderers for designing augmented reality for ecotourism sme's experiences: a service design approach. Heliyon, 10(2), e24124 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24124
Search via ReFindit
Hair, J. F., Howard, M. C., & Nitzl, C. (2021). Assessing measurement-model quality in PLS-SEM using confirmatory composite analysis. Journal of Business Research, 109(1), 101-110 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.11.069
Search via ReFindit
Hutmanová, N., Hajduová, Z., Dorčák, P., & Laskovský, V. (2024). Exploring the link between motivation and procrastination in the workplace: a case study of SMEs in Slovakia. Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, 11(3), 163-175 https://doi.org/10.9770/jesi.2024.11.3(11
Search via ReFindit
Inegbedion, H. E., Thikan, P. R., David, J. O., Ajani, J. O., & Peter, F. O. (2024). Small and medium enterprise (SME) competitiveness and employment creation: The mediating role of SME growth. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1-10 https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02434-y
Search via ReFindit
Javadi, S., Kroll, M., & Liu, Y. (2024). The dark side of competition in developing economies: evidence from closely held smes. Financial Review, 60(1), 201-229 https://doi.org/10.1111/fire.12405
Search via ReFindit
Kenji, E. (2024). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the recovery and resilience of the hospitality and tourism industry in Southeast Asia. International Journal of Modern Hospitality and Tourism, 4(1), 1-14 https://doi.org/10.47604/ijmht.2374
Search via ReFindit
Kouam Arthur William, F. (2024). Interpretivism or Constructivism: Navigating Research Paradigms in Social Science Research. International Journal of Research Publications, 143(1). https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp1001431220246122
Search via ReFindit
Masha, A. K., & Mdeni, T. (2025). The impact of poverty, inequality and unemployment on youth: a case study of Nqabane, South Africa. Insights into Regional Development, 7(2), 141-157 https://doi.org/10.70132/y4836873386
Search via ReFindit
Means, W. T. & Mowatt, R. A. (2024). Philosophy of science and leisure research: an exploratory analysis of research paradigms. Leisure/Loisir, 48(1). 123-147 https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2023.2187865
Search via ReFindit
Musabayana, G. (2024). The effects of electricity load-shedding on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Pretoria, South Africa: a case study of Marabastad business community. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 34(1), 1-15 https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2023/v34i1a16768
Search via ReFindit
National Development Plan (2015). National Development Plan 2030: Our Future - Make It Work. https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/ndp-2030-our-future-make-it-workr.pdf
Search via ReFindit
Ngondo, E., Hermann, U., & Venter, D. (2024). Push and pull factors affecting domestic tourism in the Erongo region, Namibia. Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites, 53(2), 575-583 https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.53221-1233
Search via ReFindit
Nyikana, S. & Bama, H. (2023). Domestic tourism as a recovery strategy in the face of COVID-19: insights from South Africa. Acta Commercii, 23(1) https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v23i1.1066
Search via ReFindit
Odeyemi, O., Oyewole, A. T., Adeoye, O. B., Ofodile, O. C., Addy, W. A., Okoye, C. C., & Ololade, Y. J. (2024). Entrepreneurship in Africa: a review of growth and challenges. International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 6(3), 608-622 https://doi.org/10.51594/ijmer.v6i3.874
Search via ReFindit
Purnawati, E. (2024). The influence of digital technology on marketing strategy. Productivity, 1(3), 432-446 https://doi.org/10.62207/f4s8px08
Search via ReFindit
Rochman, Y., Sudiarso, A., & Herliansyah, M. (2024). Development of a Lean Implementation Framework for Indonesian Batik Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. International Journal of Engineering, 37(11), 2223-2238 https://doi.org/10.5829/ije.2024.37.11b.09
Search via ReFindit
Seow, A. N., Choong, Y. O., Low, M. P., Ismail, N. H., & Choong, C. K. (2024). Building tourism SMEs' business resilience through adaptive capability, supply chain collaboration, and strategic human resources. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 32(2), e12564 https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12564
Search via ReFindit
Tourism Enterprise Programme (2010). South Africa- Tourism Enterprise Programme (TEP). [Online]. Available at: https://www.dai.com/our-work/projects/south-africa-tourism-enterprise-programme-tep
Search via ReFindit
Yáñez-Valdés, C., Guerrero, M., Barros-Celume, S., & Ibáñez, M. J. (2023). Winds of change due to global lockdowns: Refreshing digital social entrepreneurship research paradigm. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 190, 122454 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122454
Search via ReFindit
RSS 1.0