Empowering rural economies through women-led tourism enterprises in local development

Nora Vizdik Thaqi () and Agim Thaqi ()

Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 2025, vol. 9, issue 7, 1785-1796

Abstract: This study explores the role of women-led businesses in the economic development of rural tourism, focusing on identifying both challenges and opportunities. Based on structured survey data collected from women entrepreneurs in a rural context, the research evaluates the impact of their entrepreneurial activities on tourism growth and local development. The results highlight significant barriers faced by women, including limited access to start-up capital, ongoing financial constraints, and restrictive cultural norms. Despite these obstacles, the study finds that women-owned enterprises play a vital role in promoting cultural heritage, enhancing local tourism experiences, and supporting agricultural-based tourism initiatives. These contributions not only foster economic growth but also reshape the social and professional identities of women in rural communities. The study concludes that targeted support from governmental institutions, civil society, and local stakeholders is essential to overcome structural limitations and empower women entrepreneurs. The findings offer valuable insights into the socio-economic and cultural dynamics influencing rural tourism and underscore the need for inclusive development strategies that recognize and strengthen the role of women in rural entrepreneurship.

Keywords: Krusha e Madhe; economic development; Rural tourism; Women-owned businesses; Women's empowerment. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://learning-gate.com/index.php/2576-8484/article/view/9009/2993 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ajp:edwast:v:9:y:2025:i:7:p:1785-1796:id:9009

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology from Learning Gate
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Melissa Fernandes ().