Empowering Women Homepreneurs in Tourism and Hospitality: Entrepreneurial Competencies and Learning Approach

Abstract

This study explores the essential competencies required by women homepreneurs in the tourism and hospitality sector and examines an effective learning approach to support their development. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women homepreneurs in Umm Qais, a rural tourism destination. The findings reveal two clusters of competencies: those requiring further support (communication skills, entrepreneurship and business growth, financial management, and total quality management) and those entirely lacking (digital transformation, digital marketing, and online content creation). The study highlights that experiential learning, through a combination of theory, project visits, and field trips, is an effective method for developing these competencies. The findings extend existing theoretical frameworks on entrepreneurial competencies by emphasizing the importance of digital adaptation and experiential learning in post-pandemic contexts. Practically, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and support organizations to empower women homepreneurs by addressing competency gaps and implementing experiential learning strategies. The study stresses the need to tailor entrepreneurship education to the unique challenges faced by women in rural settings, contributing to sustainable development and community resilience. Moreover, the study goes beyond economic advantages to shed light on the social impact of empowering women who run home-based businesses. It emphasizes how such efforts promote gender inclusivity, tackle rural unemployment, and build stronger community ties.