WERT – Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Tourism Needs Analysis Country report Greece

Research objective to identify:  the issues affecting women entrepreneurs in rural areas in tourism, crafts and food production  the specific needs of target groups in order to define the training content required  the appropriate delivery methods to suit the target groups

Research analysis (1)  Period: 31/01/2011 until 28/03/2011  methods of delivery: by post by fax by phone interview  54 questionnaires sent out, 20 replies  16 women’s rural tourism cooperatives and 4 individual women entrepreneurs

Research analysis (2)  Respondents production of traditional foodstuff (14) crafts (4) accommodation (3) attraction (2)

Summary of findings - overall  further training is considered useful in every skill area  most useful ‘marketing and product development’ ‘developing a quality customer service’  least useful ‘accommodation management and maintenance’

Summary of findings – general business skills  better competence – most interest in further training  marketing and product development 4,5

Summary of findings – rural tourism services  least overall competence  developing a quality customer service 4,5  least competence in ‘accommodation management and maintenance’ 6 /16 responses ‘not useful’ 5 /16 ‘very useful’

Summary of findings – using computers  3 rd in training interest  11/18 do not use computers or internet for marketing purposes  almost half do not use basic programmes  using and the internet 3,9

Summary of findings – self development  second best average in competence  highest score in a current skill ‘time planning/balancing of work and family’  7/18 replies very useful and 5/18 ‘not useful’

Summary of findings – other training suggestions  marketing and promoting of products and services  certification and other legal issues – legal framework for enterprises such as women’s coops  accounting  funding sources for women entrepreneurs and coops  hospitality and accommodation’s hygiene*  specific skills: bakery and confectionary catering training from food technologists

Summary of findings – online network 18 out of 20 are positive topics for discussion:  Time management *  Exchange of experience, knowhow and skills  Exchange of knowledge on recipes, packaging  Visiting women associations abroad  Setting up commercial links  Product promotion  Traditional diet and cuisine  Professional training on confectionary  Hospitality issues *  Accommodation hygiene *  Business presentation

Summary of findings – useful training Skill Area – Use of training Average score Skill Area – Use of training Average score How to market your business and develop your product 4,5 Developing a sustainable rural tourism business 3,6 Developing a quality customer service 4,5 Organising and running alternative leisure activities for tourists 3,6 Business planning and research 4,2 Social networking e.g. facebook, LinkedIn, twitter 3,6 Legal aspects - finding out about regulations 4,1 Written communication skills 3,5 Developing a tourist business which is accessible to all 4,1 Cultural awareness and foreign languages 3,5 Financial management e.g. sources of finance, cash flow, profit & loss, pricing 4 Basic word processing 3,4 Using computers and the internet for marketing – websites, search engine optimisation 3,9 Building confidence and networking 3,4 Using 3,9 Time planning - balancing work and family 3,3 Making presentations 3,9 Databases and spreadsheets 3,2 Ability to diversify 3,7 Accommodation management and maintenance 2,9 Managing staff and team building 3,7

Summary of findings – training delivery  most preferable: series of workshops learning from experienced entrepreneurs  least preferable: on-line learning

Specific country requirements & difficulties  most women active in rural tourism through women coops  traditional foodstuff and crafts  difficulties: age and education basic computer use difficult generation gap problem prejudice and distrust

Recommendations  training in marketing & business, quality service development, legal and financial aspects  seminars and exchange of experience preferably near their base  network of women entrepreneurs to facilitate exchange of ideas and communication between women  qualitative research for better results

WERT – Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Tourism thank you for your attention