How to develop a sustainable business

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Theme:

How to develop a sustainable business

11 steps to grow your business

Here are 11 steps that will help the growth of your business – your rural tourism.

You should go through these 11 steps in every couple of years:

Carefully record all your resources.
Get informed. Participate in presentations, promotions, conferences and workshops, talk to others involved in rural tourism nearby. Explore what’s available online.
Find out what do the others do in rural tourism. Talk to neighbors and other entrepreneurs about their businesses. Visit them. Look at what the people do in neighboring countries.
Consult potential customers – tourists. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors about products or services that you plan to provide. Are they interested? Are they willing to pay the prices you have planned? What are they looking for?
Research the market, your competitors and potential collaborators. Explore what’s available online.
Network. Join associations, clusters, clubs… You are stronger together.
Study. Contact organizations for business support: regional development agencies, chamber of commerce, local action group, local tourism organization, etc. Go to trainings and workshops. Follow online courses.
Get insured. Insure not only property, but also everything else that can cause problems in your business.
Create a business and marketing plan. Write them down!
Start small and stay frugal in the beginning!
Learn from your experience, adapt and expand only when you know that your new business in rural tourism meets the goals you set from the beginning

Golden tips for success in rural tourism

You have started walking your 11 steps, from the first step and recording the resources, then the second step where you get informed and so on. Always keep in mind these golden tips for success in rural tourism:

Choose something you like to do – Most people start a new business to earn more money. Your genuine enthusiasm for your work is part of what makes you unique. If you are not doing something you love, you will hardly have enough energy and motivation.
Estimate time and knowledge – Carefully analyze and assess whether you have enough knowledge and skills for this job. Calculate well how much time you will need to devote to this work and assess whether you have enough of it. This applies both to you and to everyone else who works with you
Get off to a successful start – A good start is very important. Do not rush to start work. Do not move until you are fully prepared. You can only make a first impression once. This also applies to any new tourism product you introduce.
Ensure quality – Offer a high-quality product or service. Direct sellers often combine high quality with some unique feature to differentiate their products/services. A great experience or quality product is more important for attracting consumers than a low price.
Start small and grow slowly – Starting small usually means less of your own involvement and less money invested in order to make mistakes less expensive. Remember, small operations are easier to manage.
Keep good records (production, financial, marketing…) – Trying to manage a business without good information is like trying to find an address without a map. Good information and records are essential to analyze whether or not you are meeting your goals and to understand why your goals are being met or not.
Do targeted promotion – Promotion for the sake of promotion serves no purpose. Precisely define who you want to contact, in what way and through which communication channels. Define a realistic budget for promotion.
Safety first – Do everything necessary to ensure that both you and your guests are completely safe from any unforeseen events at all times.
Provide more than just a tourism product – Successful ones always offer more than a product or service. They provide experience, emotions, interactions…
Cooperate – Partnerships can help you reach new guests or even keep old ones.
Be informed – You need to be informed about every aspect of your business, consumer preferences, competition, finances, etc.
Plan for the future – Planning is essential for success. In planning, be realistic in terms of goals, price, costs, time, etc. Be flexible and understand that even the best plans can go wrong and things change.
Evaluate continuously – Things are always changing. You must constantly monitor and evaluate what is happening around you. It’s impossible to know if you’re achieving your goals without taking the time to evaluate.
Be persistent – It takes a lot of persistence just to figure out how to make a travel product and maybe more time to market it. Defining the target group and how you will address them also takes time. So be persistent and persevere. Ideas take a long time to become reality.
Make your work a pleasure!

How to do business sustainably?

Sustainability is an extremely broad term, but in its simplest sense it focuses on creating positive impact on environment for long-term.

Here are some suggestions to help you create a sustainable business:

Reduce environmental impact –from reuse and recycling, switching to LEDs, reducing plastic use, reducing CO₂ emissions, introducing energy-efficient appliances, to adopting a circular business model.
Ensure a sustainable supply chain – once you understand what it takes to run a sustainable business, you can ensure that your suppliers also contribute (or support them to adapt).
Involve the people you work with – embed your goals into the culture of your rural tourism. Explain to employees, relatives, colleagues and those who help you why sustainable business is important and beneficial for everyone, set goals, collaborate on ideas
Support the people you work with – develop a positive culture, invest in the development of employees and others who work with you, pay employees and your supply chain fairly, be transparent in your communications, hire locally where possible to improve your community, offer incentives and rewards for excellent work.
Introduce new technologies – technology can greatly benefit your business by providing data that you can learn from, helping to minimize inefficiencies, understand finances, improve relationships with tourists and suppliers and react to trends much faster than your traditional competitors. It can also help you access new markets.
Prepare for bad times – diversify your offer, expand your customer base, understand your competitors and stay one step ahead, have a plan B, keep up with trends
Enable innovation – enabling collaboration and exchange of ideas in your business will empower everyone to think “outside the box”, to create and share ideas, test them, put them into practice and help your rural tourism grow. A sustainable business must be able to adapt quickly, which is not possible if innovation is stifled.
Give back to the community – donate your products or a percentage of your profits to a local charity, organize a charity event, allow your staff to volunteer for a few hours somewhere or be a mentor to someone. Involve the people you work with in deciding how and where to give back to the community.

DOWNLOAD TESTS IN PDF FORMAT

⇥ TEST THE FIRST IMPRESSION

⇥ TEST EVALUATION OF STAFF

⇥ TEST YOUR OFFER

New Sustainable Rural Tourism Learning Opportunities for Women in Border Areas – New Low

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Test: EVALUATION OF THE TOURIST POTENTIAL OF YOUR LOCATION

All questions must be answered with YES, NO or MAYBE. If you do not answer all the questions and leave the field "-- Select --" you will not be able to see the test results.

Natural heritage

Your location/property is in the center of one of the more famous natural attractions in your region;

An incredible view, interesting reliefs and exceptional beauty make the property/location extremely attractive;

The location/property has a very rich and diverse flora. There are certain species that are native and that attract tourists. In addition to the very rich and diverse herbal life, you can see a considerable amount of animals, which also attracts a large number of visitors;

There are lakes, rivers and streams which makes activities such as fishing, swimming and boating possible;

The location/property is in a very good position. This position is affordable and close to various attractions.

Tourist offers

Your location/property has a significant tourist offer;

An important fact is that there are historical and cultural landmarks near the location/property. Some of these landmarks are indigenous sites, artifacts, museums, and other historically important locations;

Visitors are interested in the different and varied activities that take place on the site/property. These activities include agricultural, industrial and commercial ones. Agricultural activities that can be interesting may be production and harvesting;

There are various opportunities for active rest and recreation in the area. Some of the possibilities are hiking, horseback riding, national parks, and more;

In addition to the already mentioned features and possibilities, the location/property has many other interesting offers for potential visitors, such as examples of old equipment or a large number of souvenirs.

Infrastructure on the site

Your location/property has all the infrastructure needed by tourists. The property has good access, electricity, internet, water and sewage, and waste water is treated;

The roads, the entrance to the site/property, as well as the parking space meet current requirements. There are possibilities to increase the capacity, if necessary;

In the immediate vicinity there are playgrounds for children, various promenades, and for barbecue lovers there are designated areas for picnics and barbecues;

Visitors can be safe, because the security of the facilities and visitors is maintained at the highest level.

Business potential

Your location/property has the necessary human and business potential to meet the needs of tourists;

In order to meet the demands and needs of the visitors, the qualified labor is available;

You have the necessary knowledge to run a business, or you are ready to acquire it quickly;

The time you spend on your other jobs will not affect your time dedicated to jobs in rural tourism;

You have a completely unique tourist product, which no one else has to offer

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RESULT:

The basis of the concept of rural tourism is the rural household, which represents the initial infrastructure for the stay of guests in a rural area. In order for rural areas to be included in the tourist offer, certain preconditions are needed. This refers not only to the equipment, the space and facilities, but above all, to the preparedness of the household to receive guests. If the rural household wants to be included in the tourist offer, then it must have the desire, abilities and opportunities to provide quality service and meet the expectations of the guests staying in the rural household. Based on your answers, we can consider that your location/property probably has no significant tourist potential. It is necessary for you to invest significant funds in additional facilities and improvement of the appearance of your household, in order to make it attractive enough for tourists.

The basis of the concept of rural tourism is the rural household, which represents the initial infrastructure for the stay of guests in a rural area. In order for rural areas to be included in the tourist offer, certain preconditions are needed. This refers not only to the equipment, the space and facilities, but above all, to the preparedness of the household to receive guests. If the rural household wants to be included in the tourist offer, then it must have the desire, abilities and opportunities to provide quality service and meet the expectations of the guests staying in the rural household. Based on your answers, we can consider that your location/property probably has moderate tourism potential. Consider additional investments to make your household even more attractive.

Test: EVALUATION OF THE TOURIST POTENTIAL OF THE REGION

All questions must be answered with YES, NO or MAYBE. If you do not answer all the questions and leave the field "-- Select --" you will not be able to see the test results.

Natural heritage

In your region, there is one of the most famous natural attractions in your country, which is visited by a large number of tourists every year;

Your region is characterized by natural diversity. There is a lot to see in the region and there is something for everyone. There are mountains and plains, there are also lakes, rivers and streams. In general, tourists like to travel through the region and enjoy nature;

Fauna - the animal world is an important tourist potential in your region. There are plenty of harmless wild animals that are easily accessible to tourists. Or maybe there are some unique species in the region that attract tourists;

Flora – various plants are an important tourist potential in your region. The flora is very rich and diverse, there are some unique species that attract tourists;

Water – there are either natural or artificial water areas. At least some of them have opportunities for recreational activities.

Cultural heritage

In your region, there is one of the most famous cultural and historical attractions in your country, which is visited by a large number of tourists every year;

Your region has rich cultural and historical content. A lot is invested in the preservation of cultural and historical heritage;

A large number of active museums and other cultural institutions show the connection of this region with its past, as well as the readiness to preserve cultural heritage;

Visitors to this region can enjoy many attractions. Different events are held regularly and there is something for everyone. There is a number of cultural, musical and other festivals and fairs;

What makes this region stand out is the warm welcome to all visitors, as well as the respect and appreciation of diversity.

Active vacation

In your region, there is one of the most famous locations for active vacations in your country, which is visited by a large number of tourists every year;

Sports facilities in the region are developed and provide an opportunity for tourists to enjoy various sports activities;

The region can boast of offering various opportunities to tourists, such as the possibility of walking in nature and riding bicycles on marked trails, horse riding and many other activities;

The region also offers water-related activities such as fishing, boating and swimming;

For those who are more interested in extreme adventures, the region offers a large number of such activities. Some of the activities are off-road driving, cave exploration, rock climbing and many others.

Services

Your region is one of the best known in your country for the quality of services for tourists;

Your region is known for a large number of well-stocked shops, a good network of banks and a post office. In addition to classic stores, you can also find various specialized stores, while tourists themselves may also find shops with different souvenirs from the region. Internet and telephone network coverage in the region is good. All this fully meets the needs of residents, as well as the needs of tourists;

The region has a wide range of facilities for the repair and maintenance of cars and bicycles;

Hospitality and tourism are very important in this region, so you can see a wide variety of catering facilities, hotels and restaurants that offer different types of food and drinks, both domestic and foreign. In addition to all that, local residents and tourists have the opportunity to visit cinemas, theaters and many other cultural and entertainment facilities;

Accommodation for tourists in the region is offered by various hotels, motels, camps and guesthouses.

Tourist infrastructure

Your region is one of the best-known in your country in terms of the quality of tourist infrastructure;

Transport services in the region include the use of different types of transport, as well as the possibility of renting different types of vehicles (cars, bicycles, boats...);

Security is at a high level in the region. Medical services are available 24 hours a day;

All public areas in the region are maintained to be clean and tidy, both for local residents and tourists;

Tourists are provided with a large amount of information, as well as support for easier navigation during the visit. To make it easier for tourists to navigate, maps, brochures, local guides, interpretation of local attractions and many other types of support are offered. Tourist information centers also provide assistance to the region.

Attitude towards tourists

Your region is known for its excellent attitude towards tourists. This region has great potential in tourism, which is why a lot of energy and resources are being invested in order to attract as many tourists as possible. The data shows that the number of visitors is increasing, which shows us that the region is moving in the right direction;

Tourist infrastructure is at a satisfactory level and meets the needs of tourists;

The region is known for its warm welcome, so local businesses meet the demands of all visitors;

Understanding and respect for diversity and other cultures is one of the main postulates of the region. Visitors from different cultures are served in a cultured and cordial manner, full of understanding;

Experiences of visitors to this region are very positive. Visitors to the region always feel welcome and accepted.

Traffic

Your region is one of the best known in your country for the quality of the transport infrastructure for tourists;

This region has a high-quality road system, which facilitates travel for visitors;

The roads in this region are in good condition, and allow easy navigation. There is also extensive road and tourist signage;

Main access roads allow traffic to flow freely and unhindered at all times;

Visiting this region allow easy visiting of other nearby attractions. Also, the region borders other states.

Tourist attractiveness

Your region is one of the more famous destinations in your country;

Easy access to the region is provided by the airport, quality roads and the highway;

The tourism industry in the region does not depend on the season and climate. Also, it does not depend on any specific event or specific festival;

The tourist market is large enough. This market has great potential for business and investment;

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RESULT:

The heterogeneity of a territory is one of the characteristics of tourism, a tourist product and a tourist destination. Destinations are specific mixes of different components and can offer a large number of related products and services. All these components (products, services, as well as the geographical and cultural features themselves) represent the factors of a tourist destination. All these elements, factors, are also called tourist resources. Resources are all the potentials on which the development of an area and tourist activity could be based, that is, all the means that can be brought to a useful purpose. Based on your answers, it can be concluded that your region does not have significant tourist resources and does not have significant tourist potential. In other words, a large number of tourists will not come to your region. The key question for you is whether you can have such a high-quality offer that tourists will visit you just because of it?

The heterogeneity of a territory is one of the characteristics of tourism, a tourist product and a tourist destination. Destinations are specific mixes of different components and can offer a large number of related products and services. All these components (products, services, as well as the geographical and cultural features themselves) represent the factors of a tourist destination. All these elements, factors, are also called tourist resources. Resources are all the potentials on which the development of an area and tourist activity could be based, that is, all the means that can be brought to a useful purpose. Based on your answers, it can be concluded that your region does not possess significant tourist resources, but that it has its own specificities, which represents a moderate tourist potential. In order for your entrepreneurial venture in rural tourism to be successful, you must create such an offer on your tourist farm, which will be attractive enough to attract tourists.

Based on your answers, it can be concluded that your region has significant tourism resources, which is an excellent prerequisite for the success of your venture in rural tourism!

Test: PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

All questions must be answered with YES, NO or IMPROVE. If you do not answer all the questions and leave the field "-- Select --" you will not be able to see the test results.

Personal Qualities

Are you a good planner/organizer?

Do you have creative ideas?

Do you have a high level of energy and enthusiasm?

Are you enjoying doing new things?

Can you adapt to change?

Do you enjoy communicating and dealing with people?

Can you establish contact with unknown persons relatively quickly?

Do you enjoy entertaining guests?

Do you like crowds?

Are you a good communicator?

Are you patient?

Are you organized?

Can you create a warm, safe, and inviting atmosphere for tourists?

Can you manage the additional business responsibilities associated with rural tourism?

In addition to your core business, can you also deal with receiving guests?

Would you mind if your guests occasionally interfere with your daily work?

Are you willing to work and "entertain" visitors on weekends, evenings, and holidays, when they are most often available to come to your farm?

Would you be willing to share a part of your family life with guests staying at your tourist farm?

Can you successfully resolve conflicts between people?

Business Experience

Are you motivated to take on a new enterprise?

Have you managed any similar business before?

Do you have at least draft business plan for new business?

Are you willing to take risks?

Do you have a friend, family member, or business advisor with whom you can talk about goals and how a new venture might affect your operations?

Can you take the time to look at your rural household from a tourist's perspective and make changes so that it is more accommodating of your guests?

Are you willing to keep detailed income and expense records for your new business?

Are you interested in exploring new marketing techniques and resources to help you communicate your rural tourism offerings?

Are you ready to help guests find information about attractions in the area (natural and cultural, museums, events, transport connections, shops, restaurants) and be available for their inquiries?

In case of bad weather, can you organize additional activities for the guests?

Are you ready to cooperate with other persons (other owners of rural tourism, tourist guides, owners of restaurants, etc.) in organizing tourist services and hosting tourists?

Are you ready to cooperate with local authorities and other providers of tourist services on improving the conditions of stay for tourists in your area?

Skills

Do you have at least basic knowledge on:

Business planning

Art/Design

Advertising/public relations

Media experience: writing/social networks/website/radio/TV

Teaching

Crafts

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RESULT:

An entrepreneur in rural tourism is a person who organizes and manages his tourist household based on his own initiative and assumes significant business risks. Willingness to take risks is one of the basic desirable qualities of a future entrepreneur in rural tourism. There is no universal recipe for success, however, successful entrepreneurs in rural tourism share certain common personal qualities. Those qualities - in addition to a combination of more or less fortunate circumstances and more favorable and less favorable environmental conditions - enable sustainable and profitable household management. Every entrepreneur should have a certain set of personal qualities and skills that will ensure his survival in the turbulent tourist world. Although a set of personal characteristics does not guarantee success by itself, it also does not necessarily mean that you will be unsuccessful in a business. Based on your answers, unfortunately, we cannot claim that rural tourism is a good option for you, as it may not suit your personality type. Work on yourself, study, read, watch what others are doing. In the meantime, consider other options for diversifying your rural business.

There is an opportunity to engage in rural tourism, but additional efforts are needed.

There is no universal recipe for success, however, successful entrepreneurs in rural tourism share certain common personal qualities. Those qualities - in addition to a combination of more or less fortunate circumstances and more favorable and less favorable environmental conditions - enable sustainable and profitable household management. Every entrepreneur should have a certain set of personal qualities and skills that will ensure his survival in the turbulent tourist world. Although even a perfect combination of personal characteristics cannot guarantee success, based on your answers, we can consider that you possess enough personal qualities that are a good prerequisite for success. Go ahead, rural tourism is a good option for you!

Guide for rural tourism