Analyzing the motivational factors of home stay entrepreneurs: a case study of Bentota destination site, Sri Lanka

Abstract

At present, concept of homestay is getting popular in Sri Lanka due to growing demand for tourist accommodations. This paper was aimed to analyse the motivational factors of Homestay entrepreneurs using the Bentota destination site as a case study. This research was based on structured questionnaire and in depth interviews conducted along the research process. The findings suggested that women participation is high among the homestay entrepreneurs. Therefore, promoting homestay among women is a pathway to the sustainable development. And for the majority of the respondents, operating a homestay was a supplementary income source. In addition, the findings revealed that initiation of homestay venter is influenced by both extrinsic factors such as opportunity to earn income and family encouragement and intrinsic factors such as opportunity for skill development and to gain experience