ENTREPRENEUIRAL PRACTICES AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF TOURISM CRAFT-MAKERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Entrepreneurial behaviors, specifically competitive aggressiveness and pro-activeness were envisioned to relate with job creation and revenue generation in the tourism Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Delta State Nigeria. Utilizing the survey design, data was gathered from 209 entrepreneurs through a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlations between competitive aggressiveness and both job creation and revenue generation, as well as between pro-activeness and these outcomes. Specifically, competitive aggressiveness was found to influence 61% of job creation and 69% of revenue generation, while pro-activeness impacted 55% of job creation and 68% of revenue generation. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering these entrepreneurial behaviors within the tourism industry to drive growth and prosperity. For policymakers, the study suggests incentivizing innovative initiatives, facilitating access to finance, and promoting collaboration among industry stakeholders so as to enhance competitiveness. Investments in education and training programs tailored to entrepreneurial skills development could further enhance job creation and revenue generation. Tourism practitioners can leverage on these insights to inform strategic decision-making, embracing competitive aggressiveness and pro-activeness to identify growth opportunities, invest in product development, and enhance service delivery. Cultivating a culture of continuous learning and adaptation can bolster organizational agility and resilience, contributing to long-term sustainability and profitability in the tourism ecosystem.