Entrepreneurial resilience and tourism business success during crises: The moderating impact of state intervention

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of entrepreneurial resilience on the success of businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector, focusing on the moderating role of state intervention. Conducted with 216 respondents from Lalibela, Ethiopia, the research utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the relationships. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial resilience has a significantly positive direct effect on business success during crises. Additionally, state intervention plays a crucial moderating role in the relationship between resilience and tourism business success during crises. The study emphasizes the importance of state support, especially considering the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflict on the tourism sector in Lalibela. The results highlight that state involvement is key to fostering the resilience of tourism businesses. These insights can guide Ethiopian government agencies in designing training programs to strengthen the resilience of tourism business owners and enhance the sustainability of the sector.