Women Enterpreuneurs in Rural Tourism Findings in Estonian survey

Survey Number of responses: 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 Estonia Collation by modules Skill area Average score I Rural tourism services3, 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 Estonia Collation by modules Skill area Average score II Self development 3, Cultural awareness and foreign languages 3,52 2. Written communication skills 3,39 3. Time planning - balancing work and family 3,27 4. Building confidence and networking 3,25 5. Making presentations 3,09

Training needs in Estonia Collation by modules Skill area Average score III General business skills 3, How to market your business and develop your product 3,23 2. Managing staff and team building 3,23 3. Financial management e.g. sources of finance, cash flow, profit & loss, pricing 3,18 4. Ability to diversify 3,16 5. Legal aspects - finding out about regulations 3,14 6. Business planning and research 3,11

Training needs in Estonia Collation by modules Skill area Average score IV Using computers 3,072 1.Basic word processing 3,57 2.Databases and spreadsheets 3,20 3. Using computers and the internet for marketing – websites, search engine optimisation 3,05 4.Using 2,86 5.Social networking e.g. facebook, LinkedIn, twitter 2,68

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 Kose Merike Randma Ele M ä gi Irina Jõevere Maris Matkur Helina Laidla Ü lle Rink Ene Sillamaa Margit Utsal Margit K ää ramees Anu Streng Marika Laidna Annika Vallau Kaidi-Mari Liping Kadi Saarso Marja Elina Korpim ä ki Ivika Villers Evelin Anja Ü lle Kuningas Minna Jõgeda Aasa Aavik Ly Voolaid Anneli Luisk Elo Kallas

Thank you! Elo Kallas Hilja Alam ä e Merike Raiste-Prutt Natalja Laumets Lea Vutt Ü lle Vahtra Tiia R üü tel Djanne Tipka Heli Viedehof Reet Pettai Viivika Kooser Janika Saar Mare Kalme Jana Põldme Karin Vehmanen Nele Tamm Juta Jalakas Ene Sarapuu

Thank you for your cooperation! The Parnu County Vocational Centre NGO Estonian Rural Tourism Organisation Athena

The Parnu County Vocational Centre