Women Enterpreuneurs in Rural Tourism

Findings in Estonian survey

Survey • Number of responses: 44.

• 39 of them already had started their own business and 5 of them are planning to start.

• Questionnaire was consulted with Estonian Rural Tourism as a social partner.

• Questionnaire was sent as a link to the contacts of Estonian Rural Tourism list and answers were gathered through e-formular.

• Most of the respondents are offering combined services like accommodation and catering or accommodation and active leisure etc.

In which rural tourism sector do you operate?

How many people work in your business?

General business skills

Using computers

Rural tourism services

Self development

In your opinion, which method(s) of training would be most useful to you?

Training needs in Estonia

I Rural tourism services (3,322)II Self development (3,304)

III General business skills (3,175)IV Using computers (3,072)

Training needs in EstoniaCollation by modules Skill area Average score

I Rural tourism services 3,322

1. Developing a sustainable rural tourism business

3,45

2. Developing a tourist business which is accessible to all

3,36

3. Developing a quality customer service 3,34

4. Organising and running alternative leisure activities for tourists

3,30

5. Accommodation management and maintenance

3,16

Training needs in EstoniaCollation by modules Skill area Average score

II Self development 3,3041. Cultural awareness and foreign

languages 3,522. Written communication skills

3,393. Time planning - balancing work and

family

3,274. Building confidence and networking

3,255. Making presentations 3,09

Training needs in EstoniaCollation by modules Skill area Average

scoreIII General business skills

3,175

1. How to market your business and develop your product 3,23

2. Managing staff and team building 3,233. Financial management e.g. sources of

finance, cash flow, profit & loss, pricing 3,18

4. Ability to diversify 3,165. Legal aspects - finding out about

regulations 3,146. Business planning and research 3,11

Training needs in EstoniaCollation by modules

Skill area Average score

IV Using computers3,072

1. Basic word processing3,57

2. Databases and spreadsheets3,20

3. Using computers and the internet for marketing – websites, search engine optimisation

3,054. Using e-mail

2,865. Social networking e.g. facebook,

LinkedIn, twitter2,68

Other training needs:

• Writing projects• Exporting services• Language practice in language environment• Photography• Generating ideas• Crafts and local food• Creating client databases • Catering• Book-keeping• Cooperation, creating different packages for vacation• Body language, psychology in marketing, keeping the client• Product development• Self help techniques to prevent burn-out• Occupatinal health care

Other training needs• How to use materials from the nature.• Creativity training• Creating different souvenires• Creating a business plan• Safety in active leisure• Different national cuisines• Design in tourism• Product design• Executing different contracts• Environment education• Local cultural heritage

Other ideas about trainings

• Knowledges of tour guiding would be useful.• How to reach customers outside Estonia?• Learning from the experience of others.• Series of trainings could induce enterpreuneers to think more

creatively. There are many resources around us that we are not using for our businesses.

• Training should be as well as practical as mind-broadening. Excursions for trainings are useful.

• Mentoring and coaching.

Thank you!Marika KoseMerike RandmaEle MägiIrina JõevereMaris MatkurHelina LaidlaÜlle RinkEne SillamaaMargit UtsalMargit KäärameesAnu StrengMarika Laidna

Annika VallauKaidi-Mari LipingKadi SaarsoMarja Elina KorpimäkiIvika VillersEvelin AnjaÜlle KuningasMinna JõgedaAasa AavikLy VoolaidAnneli LuiskElo Kallas

Thank you!

Elo KallasHilja AlamäeMerike Raiste-PruttNatalja LaumetsLea VuttÜlle VahtraTiia RüütelDjanne TipkaHeli Viedehof

Reet PettaiViivika KooserJanika Saar Mare KalmeJana PõldmeKarin VehmanenNele TammJuta JalakasEne Sarapuu

Thank you for your cooperation!

The Parnu County Vocational Centre

NGO Estonian Rural Tourism Organisation

07.04.2011 Athena

The Parnu County Vocational Centrehttp://www.hariduskeskus.ee/index.php?id=1539