Enhancing Sustainability through Apprenticeship Practices: A study of Family Owned Tourism Enterprises in Mahe Island, Seychelles

This study examines how apprenticeship practices affect the sustainability of family owned tourism businesses in Mahe Island. While apprenticeships are vital for developing skills and transferring knowledge, there is limited evidence of how these practices are specifically adapted to family-owned tourism enterprises in Seychelles. This study employed a descriptive survey research design using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 253 business owners/CEOs/managers in the Seychelles tourism industry. Data analysis was conducted using a simple regression analysis guided by sustainable family business theory. The results show a significant and positive correlation between apprenticeship practices and the sustainability of tourism businesses (β=0.688, p=0.000). Leadership in family-owned tourism businesses was found to implement elements such as technical skills, confidence, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal abilities, to a limited degree. The study suggests establishing formal apprenticeship programs, partnering with local educational institutions to create customized curricula, implementing mentorship initiatives, investing in continuous training and development, and providing government support through incentives and policies. These strategies can significantly improve the sustainability of family-owned tourism businesses on Mahe Island, Seychelles, by promoting skill transfer, preserving traditional knowledge, and adapting to changing industrial trends.